SUMMARY
The total work done by the force of gravity on a 0.245 kg ball thrown from an initial height of 2.20 m with an initial speed of 12.40 m/s is calculated using the work-energy principle. The gravitational force is defined as F = ma, where a is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²). The work done by gravity during the ball's descent is determined by the equation Work = Mass x Acceleration x Displacement, resulting in a total work of approximately 24.12 J. The gravitational potential energy lost as the ball falls is equivalent to the work done by gravity.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Newton's second law (F = ma)
- Knowledge of gravitational potential energy (GPE = mgh)
- Familiarity with kinetic energy equations (KE = 1/2 mv²)
- Basic grasp of the work-energy principle
NEXT STEPS
- Study the work-energy theorem in classical mechanics
- Learn how to calculate gravitational potential energy in various scenarios
- Explore the concept of energy conservation in projectile motion
- Investigate the effects of air resistance on work done by gravity
USEFUL FOR
Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on mechanics, as well as educators looking for practical examples of work and energy concepts in action.