How Do You Calculate Mechanical Energy and Work for a Thrown Ball?

In summary, the conversation revolved around a problem involving a 0.50 kg rubber ball being thrown into the air. The kinetic energy of the ball was calculated to be 56 J and its gravitational potential energy relative to the ground was determined to be 98 J. The group also discussed the amount of work done by someone at ground level throwing the ball into the air, which was not calculated. Lastly, the speed of the ball when it left the ground was found to be 19.8 m/s.
  • #1
new^2^physics
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Please help... with Mechanical Energy Question

Homework Statement



A 0.50 kg rubber ball is thrown into the air. At a height of 20 m above the ground, it is traveling at 15 m/s.
a. what is the balls kinetic energy
b. What is its gravitational potential energy relative to the ground?
c. how much work was done by someone at ground level throwing the ball into the air?
d. What was the speed of the ball when it left the ground?


The Attempt at a Solution



a. Ek = 1/2 mv2
Ek = 1/2 (0.50kg)(15m/s)
Ek = 1/2 (0.50 kg)(225 m2/s2)
Ek = 1/2 (112.5 J)
Ek = 56 J

b. Eg = mgh
Eg = (0.50kg)(9.80 N/kg)(20m)
Eg = 98 J

c. W = fd
HELP ME PLEASE
 
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  • #2
....d. Vf^2 = Vi^2 + 2ad Vf = 0m/s Vi = ? a = 9.8 m/s2 (acceleration due to gravity) d = 20m 0m/s = Vi2 + (2)(9.8 m/s2)(20m) Vi2 = -392 m2/s2 Vi = 19.8 m/s
 

Related to How Do You Calculate Mechanical Energy and Work for a Thrown Ball?

1. What is mechanical energy?

Mechanical energy is a type of energy that an object possesses due to its motion or position. It can be either potential energy, which is stored energy due to an object's position, or kinetic energy, which is energy due to an object's motion.

2. How is mechanical energy different from other forms of energy?

Mechanical energy is different from other forms of energy because it is specifically related to an object's motion or position. Other forms of energy, such as thermal or chemical energy, are not directly related to an object's motion or position.

3. How is mechanical energy measured?

Mechanical energy is typically measured in joules (J). Potential energy is measured by multiplying an object's mass, acceleration due to gravity, and height, while kinetic energy is measured by multiplying an object's mass and velocity squared.

4. Can mechanical energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, mechanical energy can be converted into other forms of energy. For example, when a ball rolls down a hill, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Additionally, mechanical energy can be transformed into electrical energy through generators or into thermal energy through friction.

5. How does mechanical energy relate to work and power?

Mechanical energy is related to work and power because work is the transfer of energy that results in an object's motion, which is a form of mechanical energy. Power, which is the rate of doing work, is also related to mechanical energy as it measures how quickly an object can transfer its energy.

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