Question

A 60.0-kg ball of clay is tossed vertically in the air with an initial speed of 4.60 m/s. Ignoring air resistance, what is the change in its potential energy when it reaches its highest point?

Answer 1

Answer:

the change in potential energy when it reaches the highest height = 634.8 J

Explanation:

Potential Energy: This is the energy a body posses due to position.

From the law of conservation of energy,

At the highest point and lowest points, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy

I.e

Ek = Ek

Where Ek = potential energy, Ep = potential energy

Ep₁ = 1/2mu²  (potential energy at the lowest point)................ Equation 1

Ep₂ = 1/2mv² (potential energy at the highest point)............. Equation 2

ΔEp = Ep₂ - Ep₁ = 1/2mu² - 1/2mv²........................ Equation 3

Where ΔEp = change in potential energy, m = mass of the ball of clay, v = final velocity of the ball of clay, u = initial velocity of the ball of clay

Given: m= 60 kg, u = 4.6 m/s v = 0 ( velocity at the maximum height)

Substituting these values into equation 3

ΔEp = 1/2×60×4.6 - 1/2×60×0²

ΔEp = 30×21.16 - 0

ΔEp = 634.8 J.

Therefore the change in potential energy when it reaches the highest height = 634.8 J