Ball attached to String (Potential Energy)

goluigi2196

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A 2.40 kg ball is attached to a ceiling by a 2.00 m long string. The height of the room is 3 m. What is the gravitational potential energy of the ball relative to:

a) the ceiling?

b) the floor?

c) a point at the same elevation as the ball?

Variables
P for potential energy
m for mass in kg
g for gravity
h for height

2. Relevant equations
P=mgh

3. The attempt at a solution
For b), I found the answer which was 23.52.

For a), though, I got 70.56 because P=(2.4)(9.8)(3)=70.56. The 3 is from the fact that the ceiling is 3m off the ground and a) is asking about the ceiling. It says that I'm wrong

For c), I don't have any idea of what they're talking about. Is it the same thing as b)?

zhermes

Energy is always relative. Potential energy is defined as the potential energy of one point, vs. the potential energy at another point. The equation, more precisely, should be written [tex]U = mg \Delta h[/tex] for some different in height [tex]\Delta h \equiv h - h_0[/tex].

Usually the 'reference' point ([tex]h_0[/tex]) is taken to be "zero height" ([tex]h_0 = 0[/tex]), and that is often either sea-level, or ground-level, or floor-level, etc.

While the ceiling is 3m off the ground ([tex]h_0 = 3[/tex]), it is only 1m away from the ball (the ball is what you're finding the potential energy of). h = 3m - 2m = 1m

If they're asking for the potential of the ball with respect to something at the same height, what is the difference in height [tex] \Delta h[/tex]?

goluigi2196

ok, so I did 2.4(9.8)(1)=23.52 for a). i still get it wrong....

and for c), do i just do 2.4(9.8)(2) because it's the inverse?

zhermes

Sorry, forgot to highlight a key point. In this case, the ball is lower than the reference point. I.e. [tex]\Delta h = h - h_0 = 2m - 3m[/tex]

Its not the inverse problem. Its asking what is the potential difference between something at h = 2m, and a reference point at [tex]h_0[/tex] = 2m

Vespa71

How far is it between ball and ceiling? Ball and floor?

goluigi2196

so will a) be negative because 2-3=-1? therefore, will the answer be -23.52?

and will c) be zero because 2-2=0 and 2.4(9.8)(0)=0?

goluigi2196

@vespa71

the problem said the ceiling to the floor was 3m

Vespa71

a) will be negative becaus there's a 2!! meter negative drop from the ball to the ceiling. c) is zero as there's no drop. Well done.

Vespa71

I recommend to make a simple drawing to visualize the problem. Best of luck

goluigi2196

well ok, i did 2.4(9.8)(-1). that gives me -23.52. it still tells me i'm wrong

goluigi2196

oh and thanks for c). i got it right.

Vespa71

If you have a -2m drop from ball to ceiling, and a 1m drop from ball to floor, and a 0m drop from ball to somthing on the same level, I think it will solve.