What we have so far: Kinetic energy = 0. The reason behind that is because the beam is not moving at a height of 40m. Gavity, g = 9.8m/s² Height = 40m Potential energy = mgh; this is equal to 0 because m, stands for mass and in this problem, we do not have a value for the mass of the beam. Hence, 0 x 9.8m/s² x 40m = 0. Potential energy = 0.
Solution: We will use the equation of Total energy: TE = potential energy + kinetic energy
TE = 0 + 0
∴ TE = 0
The answer is: Assuming no air resistance, the total energy of the beam as it hits the ground is 0.