Question

A 2 kg rock is at the edge of a cliff 20 meters above a lake The rock becomes loose and falls toward the water below. Calculate its potential and kenetic energy when its at the top and when its halfway down. Its speed is14 m/s at the halfway point

Answer 1

Answer:

The potential energy (P.E) at the top is 392 J

The kinetic energy (K.E) at the top is 0 J

The potential energy (P.E) at the halfway point is 196 J.

The kinetic energy (K.E) at the halfway point is 196 J.

Explanation:

Given;

mass of the rock, m = 2 kg

height of the cliff, h = 20 m

speed of the rock at the halfway point, v = 14 m/s

The potential energy (P.E) and kinetic energy (K.E) when its at the top;

P.E = mgh

P.E = (2)(9.8)(20)

P.E= 392 J

K.E = ¹/₂mv²

where;

v is velocity of the rock at the top of the cliff = 0

K.E = ¹/₂(2)(0)²

K.E = 0

The potential energy (P.E) and kinetic energy (K.E) at the halfway point;

P.E = mg(¹/₂h)

P.E = (2)(9.8)(¹/₂ x 20)

P.E = 196 J

K.E = ¹/₂mv²

where;

v is velocity of the rock at the halfway point = 14 m/s

K.E = ¹/₂(2)(14)²

K.E = 196 J.