The correct sequence of energy transfer that occurs when an apple falls to the ground is
Gravitational potential energy $ o$ heat energy to air $ o$ kinetic energy $ o$ heat energy to ground and apple $ o$ sound energy
Gravitational potential energy $ o$ sound energy $ o$ heat energy to air $ o$ heat energy to ground and apple
Gravitational potential energy $ o$ kinetic energy $ o$ heat energy to air $ o$ heat energy to apple $ o$ sound energy
Gravitational potential energy $ o$ kinetic energy $ o$ sound energy $ o$ heat energy to air $ o$ heat energy to ground and apple
Answer is Right!
Answer is Wrong!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2019
When an apple falls, its initial gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. As the apple falls, air resistance acts on it, converting some of the kinetic energy into heat energy transferred to the surrounding air. Upon hitting the ground, the remaining kinetic energy is rapidly converted into sound energy (the impact sound) and heat energy due to the deformation and friction of the apple and the ground. Option C correctly shows the initial conversion from GPE to KE, followed by the dissipation of energy from KE into heat (to air and apple/ground) and sound upon impact. While heat to air occurs *during* the fall and sound/impact heat occurs *at the end*, option C provides the most plausible sequence among the choices, suggesting that the kinetic energy is the source from which heat to air, heat to apple, and sound energy arise.