Answer:
v = 15.65 m/s
Explanation:
We use conservation of mechanical energy between initial (i) and final (f) states:
Pi + KEi = Pf + KEf
At the top of the cave at the instant the bat starts to fall, there is only potential energy since the bat's velocity is zero.
Pi = m g h = 600 J
and the KEi = 0 J (no velocity)
Knowing the height of the cave's roof (12.8 m) , we can find the mass of the bat:
m = 600 J / (g 12.5) = 4.9 kg
Using conservation of mechanical energy, the final state is:
Pf + KEf = 600 J
with Pf = 0 (just touching the ground)
KEf= 1/2 4.9 (v^2)
and we solve for the velocity:
600 J = 0 + 1/2 4.9 (v^2)
v^2 = 600 * 2 / 4.9 = 244.9
v = 15.65 m/s
