Question

An aeroplane flying in the sky possesses:
(A) Kinetic but not Potential energy
(B) Potential but not Kinetic energy
(C) Both Kinetic and Potential energy
(D) Neither Kinetic nor Potential energy

Answer 1

Hint: We will answer this question by consideration of the definitions of kinetic energy and potential energy. Once we know what they are, then we will analyse the state of the aeroplane and determine the energy it possesses.

Complete step by step solution:
We are given an aeroplane which is flying in the sky. We need to determine the type of energy that the aeroplane possesses.
In the options, we are given that the answer should be opt between the kinetic and potential energy.
Let us first analyse the definitions of kinetic energy and potential energy.
Kinetic energy: In physics, the kinetic energy of an object is defined as the energy possessed by it due to its motion.
Potential energy: In physics, the potential energy of an object is defined as the energy possessed by it by virtue of its position with respect to the others.
The aeroplane is flying in the sky. So, by the definition of kinetic energy, the aeroplane must possess kinetic energy as it is currently in motion.
Now, if we see that the aeroplane is flying and we can tell that it has to be in motion with respect to some other thing so as to be considered as in motion.
So, we see that the aeroplane is in motion with respect to the Earth as it makes some angle with the earth at every instant. Hence, we can say that it has some position with respect to the earth (no matter if it is constantly changing due to the motion of the aeroplane).
So, by the definition of potential energy, we can say that the aeroplane possesses potential energy because of its position.
Therefore, the aeroplane possesses both kinetic and potential energy.

Hence, option(C) is correct.

Note: In such problems, you can see that they are just concept – based problems. So, you should be familiar with the terms used in your chapters to not lose marks in such easy questions. All you need to do is analyse the problem given and the options.