A body of mass 0.6kg is thrown vertically upward from the ground with ...
Potential Energy at Maximum Height
At maximum height, the kinetic energy of the body becomes zero and all the energy is converted into potential energy. Therefore, the potential energy at maximum height is given by:
PE = mgh
where m = mass of the body, g = acceleration due to gravity, and h = maximum height reached.
Using the given values:
PE = 0.6kg x 9.8m/s^2 x (20m/s)^2 / (2 x 9.8m/s^2)
PE = 120J
Kinetic Energy just before hitting the ground
Just before hitting the ground, the potential energy of the body is zero and all the energy is converted into kinetic energy. Therefore, the kinetic energy just before hitting the ground is given by:
KE = (1/2)mv^2
where m = mass of the body and v = velocity of the body just before hitting the ground.
The velocity just before hitting the ground can be found using the equation:
v^2 = u^2 + 2gh
where u = initial velocity, g = acceleration due to gravity, and h = maximum height reached.
Using the given values:
v^2 = (20m/s)^2 + 2 x 9.8m/s^2 x 120m
v^2 = 2840
v = 53.3m/s
Substituting this value in the equation for kinetic energy:
KE = (1/2) x 0.6kg x (53.3m/s)^2
KE = 897J
Explanation
When a body is thrown vertically upward, it gains potential energy due to its position in the gravitational field. As it rises, its kinetic energy decreases and its potential energy increases until it reaches the maximum height. At this point, all the energy is in the form of potential energy. As the body falls back down, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and its speed increases until it reaches the ground. Just before hitting the ground, all the energy is in the form of kinetic energy.