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Chapter 3: Problem 25

Is it possible for one object to gain mechanical energy from another without touching it? Explain.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Explain your answer. Answer: Yes, it is possible for an object to gain mechanical energy from another object without touching it. This can happen through the action of non-contact forces, such as gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces. These forces can transfer energy between objects even when they are not in direct contact.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding mechanical energy

Mechanical energy is the sum of the potential energy and kinetic energy of an object. Potential energy is stored energy, which depends on the position of the object (for example, due to height or spring force), while kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. Mechanical energy can be transferred between objects through work done by forces acting on them.
02

Identifying types of forces

When two objects interact, they can exert forces on each other. These forces can be classified into two categories: contact forces and non-contact forces. Contact forces are forces that occur when the objects are physically touching each other, such as friction and normal forces. Non-contact forces are forces that act on objects even when they are not in direct contact, such as gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces.
03

Explaining energy transfer using non-contact forces

An object can gain mechanical energy from another object without touching it if non-contact forces act on them. For example, when an object is near a large mass, it gains gravitational potential energy due to the force of gravity acting on it. Similarly, charged objects or magnets can gain potential energy due to electric or magnetic forces without any direct physical contact.
04

Concluding with the answer

Yes, it is possible for an object to gain mechanical energy from another object without touching it. This can happen through the action of non-contact forces, such as gravitational, electric, and magnetic forces, which can transfer energy between objects even when they are not in direct contact.

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