Question

A bow is drawn so that it has 40 J of potential energy. If we ignore air resistance then when fired, the arrow will ideally have a kinetic energy of:

a) Greater than 40 J
b) Less than 40 J
c) 40 J

Answer 1

The arrow fired from a bow with 40 J of potential energy, in an ideal condition without air resistance, will have a kinetic energy of 40 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a bow is drawn and holds 40 J of potential energy, upon release, in an ideal situation where air resistance is ignored, the arrow will have kinetic energy equal to that potential energy, namely 40 J. The conservation of energy principle dictates that the energy in a closed system remains constant.