Question

Compare the kinetic and potential energies of a 200 kg box being moved horizontally by a forklift at a speed of 5 m/s. The box is at a height of 1 m.

Answer 1

Given:

mass of the box = 200kg
velocity of the moving box = 5m/s
height of the box = 1m

Required:

The comparison of the kinetic energy and potential energy

Solution:

Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula:

KE = 0.5(mass)(velocity)²
KE = 0.5(200kg)(5m/s)²
KE = 2500 Joules

Potential energy can be calculated using the formula:

PE = (mass)(gravity)(height)
PE = (200kg)(9.8m/s²)(1m)
PE = 1960 Joules

At the given conditions, the kinetic energy is greater than the potential energy. This means that the total energy is spent to move horizontally rather than vertically.