- #1
Squoe
- 1
- 0
If an object (a ball) begins at rest and falls a distance (h) there is a transformation of gravitational potential energy into kinetic energy (the ball is moving at time-final for my analysis), resulting in a zero net change of total energy for this ball. But, gravity was doing positive work over the distance h. Is it correct to view this scenario as an expression of Newton's third law of motion in that the ball also does gravitational work on the Earth; hence, the work of the ball on the Earth cancels the work of the Earth on the ball. It is insufficient to only analyze the ball. In terms of energy, you must recognize the interaction (transfer of energy) of the two objects. Is my thinking accurate?