Finding the Total mechanical energy

In summary, a shot putter releases a 5.00 kg shot at a height of 2.00 m and a velocity of 15.0 m/s. The shot reaches a max height of 8.00 m before falling to the ground with negligible air resistance. The potential energy of the shot as it leaves the hand is 150 J (a), the kinetic energy is 112.5 J (b), and the total mechanical energy is 262.5 J (c). At its max height, the total mechanical energy is still 262.5 J (d) and the potential energy is 400 J (e). The kinetic energy at its max height is 0 J (f). The kinetic energy just
  • #1
max1020
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At the moment when a shot putter releases a 5.00 kg shot, the shot is 2.00 m above the ground and traveling at 15.0 m/s. It reaches a maximum height of 8.00 m above the ground and then falls to the ground. Assume that air resistance is negligible.

a. What was the potential energy of the shot as it left the hand, relative to the ground?
b. What was the kinetic energy of the shot as it left the hand?
c. What was the total mechanical energy of the shot as it left the hand?
d. What was the total mechanical energy of the shot as it reached its maximum height?
e. What was the potential energy of the shot at its maximum height?
f. What was the kinetic energy of the shot at its maximum height?
g. What was the kinetic energy of the shot just as it struck the ground?

I've got the answers up until question c). But I've been stuck on d) I know the answer is 661 J but I don't know how








The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
sum answers e and f to get d
 
  • #3
Thanks got it!
 

1. What is total mechanical energy?

Total mechanical energy is the sum of an object's potential energy and kinetic energy. Potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or arrangement, while kinetic energy is the energy an object has due to its motion.

2. How is total mechanical energy calculated?

Total mechanical energy is calculated by adding the potential energy and kinetic energy of an object. The formula for total mechanical energy is E = PE + KE, where E represents total mechanical energy, PE represents potential energy, and KE represents kinetic energy.

3. Can the total mechanical energy of an object change?

Yes, the total mechanical energy of an object can change. It can increase or decrease depending on the change in potential energy or kinetic energy. For example, if an object falls from a height, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, resulting in a change in total mechanical energy.

4. What happens to total mechanical energy when work is done on an object?

When work is done on an object, the total mechanical energy of the object can change. This is because work is a transfer of energy, and if work is done on an object, it can increase its potential or kinetic energy, resulting in a change in total mechanical energy.

5. How is total mechanical energy conserved in a closed system?

In a closed system, total mechanical energy is conserved, meaning it remains constant. This is known as the Law of Conservation of Energy. This means that the total mechanical energy at the beginning of a process must be equal to the total mechanical energy at the end of the process, even if it changes forms or is transferred between objects within the system.

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