Question

A small dog is trained to jump straight up a distance of 1.2 m. How much kinetic energy does the 7.2-kg dog need to jump this high? (The acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s2.) Show your work for credit.

Answer 1

Answer:84.672 joules.

Explanation:

1) Data:

m = 7.2 kg
h = 1.2 m
g = 9.8 m / s²

2) Physical principle

Using the law of mechanical energy conservation principle, you have that the kinetic energy of the dog, when it jumps, must be equal to the final gravitational potential energy.

3) Calculations:

The gravitational potential energy, PE, is equal to m × g × h

So, PE = m × g × h = 7.2 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 1.2 m = 84.672 joules.

And that is the kinetic energy that the dog needs.