The change in potential energy can be calculated using the formula ΔPE = mgh, and the change in total energy can be determined by considering the initial and final kinetic energies. In an inelastic collision, there is a loss of kinetic energy, resulting in a negative change in energy.
The change in potential energy from the moment of release to the moment of collision with the bumper can be calculated by considering the change in height (Δx) and the weight of the object. Since only the weight is changing potential energy, we can use the formula ΔPE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the change in height.
If the data list provides the change in x, we can calculate the change in height using the formula h = Δx. The change in total energy of the system can be determined by considering the initial and final kinetic energies. If the collision is inelastic and the two objects stick together, the final kinetic energy will be zero because the objects come to rest.
Therefore, the change in total energy will be the negative of the initial kinetic energy. Negative change in energy indicates energy loss during the collision. This makes sense because in an inelastic collision, some of the kinetic energy is converted to other forms of energy, such as heat or deformation.