Question

A 0.31-kg stone is held 1.4 m above the top edge of a water well and then dropped into it. The well has a depth of 4.9 m. (a) Taking y = 0 at the top edge of the well, what is the gravitational potential energy of the stone–Earth system before the stone is released? 4.25 Correct: Your answer is correct. J (b) Taking y = 0 at the top edge of the well, what is the gravitational potential energy of the stone–Earth system when it reaches the bottom of the well?

Answer 1

a. 4.25 J

b. -14.90 J

Step-by-step explanation:

a. Gravitational potential energy of stone-earth system before stone is released

E = MGY

M = mass = 0.31

G = gravity = 9.81

Y = 1.4

E = 0.31 x 9.81 x 1.4

E = 4.25J

b. Gravitational potential energy of stone-earth system when it reaches bottom of well

E = MGY

M= 0.31

G = 9.81

Y = -4.9

E = 0.31 x 9.81 x -4.9

E = -14.90 J

This answers the question.