Final answer:
To find the total energy of the system, calculate the kinetic energy of the child and pogo stick using their mass and velocity. Since the potential energies are zero, the total energy will be equal to the kinetic energy of the system.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total energy of a system can be calculated by considering the potential energy and the kinetic energy of the system. In this case, since both potential energies are zero at position b, the total energy of the system is given by:
Total energy = Kinetic energy
Since potential energy is zero, we only need to calculate the kinetic energy of the system. The kinetic energy of an object is given by:
Kinetic energy = (1/2)mv^2
Where m is the mass of the child and pogo stick and v is the velocity of the system. The velocity can be calculated using Newton's second law:
F = ma
Where F is the force exerted by the trampoline and a is the acceleration due to gravity. Rearranging the equation, we get:
Force = mass x acceleration
Substituting the values, we can calculate the force exerted by the trampoline and then use it to calculate the velocity and the kinetic energy of the system. The total energy of the system will be equal to the calculated kinetic energy.