Calculating Gravitational Potential Energy of a Hanging Ball

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the gravitational potential energy of a hanging ball, with specific reference points being the ceiling, the floor, and a point at the same elevation as the ball. The problem involves understanding the relationship between mass, height, and gravitational potential energy in the context of physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to use the equation PE = mgh but expresses confusion over the calculations, suggesting a need for clarification on how to apply the equation correctly. Some participants suggest rethinking the reference point for height, indicating that the vertical position relative to the chosen reference affects the potential energy calculation.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing hints and guidance on how to approach the calculations. There is an indication that the original poster found some of the feedback helpful, particularly regarding the reference point for height.

Contextual Notes

The original poster's attempts indicate a possible misunderstanding of how to apply the gravitational potential energy formula in different contexts, particularly concerning the choice of reference points. The discussion also highlights the importance of considering the sign of the potential energy based on the chosen reference level.

gansta344u
Messages
25
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


A 2.35 kg ball is attached to a ceiling by a
1.92 m long string. The height of the room is
5.92 m .
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .
What is the gravitational potential energy
associated with the ball relative to the ceiling?
Answer in units of J

What is its gravitational potential energy rel-
ative to the floor? Answer in units of J.

What is its gravitational potential energy rel-
ative to a point at the same elevation as the
ball? Answer in units of J.

Homework Equations


PE=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


I TRIED TO USE THE EQUATION BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN IT WAS WRONG MAYBE I AM CALCULATING WRONG PLEASE HELP MAYBE IF U CAN PROVIDE A MODIFIED EQUATION OR EVEN A SIMPLE ONE THAT WOULD HELP A LOT!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
gansta344u said:

Homework Equations


PE=mgh
Perhaps if you thought of the equation as PE = mgy, where y is the vertical position with respect to your reference point, you may understand it better.

For example, if you choose the ceiling as your reference, that means that y = 0 at the ceiling. What's the y value of the ball in that case?
 
Hint: Pay attention to the sign of your answer.
 
thanks a lot it helped a lot especially the last part, it worked.
 

Similar threads

Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Potential energy of ball thrown upwards
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
14K
Gravitational potential energy traveling from earth to mars
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Gravitational Potential Energy on an Incline
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How Is Potential Energy Converted to Kinetic Energy in Physical Systems?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
Understanding the Bungee Jumper Problem: Energy Transformation and Calculations
  • · Replies 44 ·
2
Replies
44
Views
7K
Calculate this Spring's Potential Energy
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
Gravitational Potential Energy questions near the surface of a planet
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Minimizing the Energy of Two Conductors Very Far Apart
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
2K
Catapult spring, Kinetic and Potential energy
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K