Question

A pinball machine launches a .045 kg ball at a speed of 9.2 m/s. Determine the potential energy of the spring just before it launched the pinball

Answer 1

Given :

A pinball machine launches a .045 kg ball at a speed of 9.2 m/s.

To Find :

The potential energy of the spring just before it launched the pinball.

Solution :

We know, their is no external force applied on system.

It means that kinetic energy will remains constant.

Initial Energy = Final Energy

`K.E_i + P.E_i = K.E_f + P.E_f\\\\0 + P.E_i= (mv^2)/(2)+ 0\\\\P.E_i = (0.045 * 9.2^2)/(2)\ J\\\\P.E_i = 1.9044\ J`

Therefore, the potential energy of the spring just before it launched the pinball os 1.9044 J.