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Assume a ball with mass m=0.5 kg is falling from the height h=15m. ( initial speed = 10 m/s²)

what is the gravitational potential energy( U ) at the highest point( h=15m) and on the ground?

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Final answer:

The gravitational potential energy of a 0.5 kg ball at a height of 15 m is 73.5 joules. When the ball reaches the ground, its gravitational potential energy is 0 joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question pertains to the calculation of gravitational potential energy (U) of a ball with a mass m = 0.5 kg falling from a certain height h. The gravitational potential energy at any height is given by the equation U = mgh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s2 on the surface of the Earth.

Here, it appears there might be a slight confusion in the question where 'initial speed = 10 m/s2' is mentioned, which is likely a typo and should be disregarded as not relevant to the calculation of potential energy.

Using the formula for gravitational potential energy:

  • At the highest point (h = 15 m): U = mgh = 0.5 kg * 9.8 m/s2 * 15 m = 73.5 J
  • On the ground: U = mgh = 0.5 kg * 9.8 m/s2 * 0 m = 0 J

Therefore, at the highest point, the ball has 73.5 joules of gravitational potential energy, and on the ground, its gravitational potential energy is zero.

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