Can energy of an object be kinetic AND potential?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on whether an object's energy can be both kinetic and potential simultaneously. It is clarified that total energy must account for both forms, depending on the reference point for potential energy. When the zero line is set at the bottom of the ramp, the potential energy becomes zero, leaving only kinetic energy. However, if the zero line is at the top of the ramp, potential energy is negative at the bottom, allowing for a combined equation of E = mgh + 0.5mv^2. The key takeaway is that the definition of the zero line significantly impacts the calculation of total energy.
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http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/...cs_/Energy.jpg

When the ball is at the bottom of the ramp, can it's energy be
E = mgh + 0.5mv^2 ?
Or is it's energy strictly 0.5mv^2?

I set the zero line at where the ball leaves the ramp, so that's why I'm confused.
 
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Can't see the image...

But yes, total energy must include both potential and kinetic energies. The potential energy of the ball depends on where you define your zero line.

Since you define the zero Ep at the top of the ramp, then at the bottom of the ramp the h would be a negative value.
 
Since your zero line is at the top of the ramp, at the bottom it would be mgh+0.5mv^2.
 
kudoushinichi88 said:
Can't see the image...

But yes, total energy must include both potential and kinetic energies. The potential energy of the ball depends on where you define your zero line.

Since you define the zero Ep at the top of the ramp, then at the bottom of the ramp the h would be a negative value.

Sorry, the image is here: http://i1097.photobucket.com/albums/g349/Physics_/Energy.jpg
And I set the zero at the bottom of the ramp, just where the ball would leave the ramp.
Sorry for any confusion.
 
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
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