Question

A cannonball is launched from the ground with 48,279 Joules of kinetic energy. How much gravitational potential energy (GPE) will the cannonball hold when it has reached its highest height? How do you know?

Answer 1

Given :

A cannonball is launched from the ground with 48,279 Joules of kinetic energy.

To Find :

What is the gravitational potential energy (GPE) will the cannonball hold when it has reached its highest height .

Solution :

We know , in this given case only one force is applied on the body which is gravitational force .

Now , we also know that gravitational force is a conservative force.

Also , total energy is conserved in system when only conservative force is applied in system .

So , total energy will be conserved .

We know, K.E will be max when P.E is zero i.e on ground .

And P.E will be max at maximum height .

So , $K.E_{h=0}=P.E_{h_max}$

Therefore , the gravitational potential energy (GPE) will the cannonball hold when it has reached its highest height is 48,279 Joules .

Hence , this is the required solution .