Conservation of Energy/Gravitational Potential Energy

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics problem involving the conservation of energy and gravitational potential energy. The scenario involves two buckets connected by a pulley, with one bucket at ground level and the other 2.00 m above. The initial attempt calculated the speed of the second bucket at impact as 5.11 m/s, but the correct answer is 4.4 m/s, as indicated by the textbook. The error was identified as neglecting the kinetic energy of both buckets in the energy conservation equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of conservation of energy principles
  • Familiarity with gravitational potential energy (Ug = mgh)
  • Knowledge of kinetic energy formula (K = 1/2 mv²)
  • Basic algebra for solving equations
NEXT STEPS
  • Review the conservation of energy in mechanical systems
  • Study the implications of kinetic energy in pulley systems
  • Explore energy loss due to friction in real-world applications
  • Practice similar problems involving multiple objects and pulleys
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy conservation in dynamic systems.

Dougggggg
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Homework Statement


There are 2 buckets hanging from a single pulley with rope (not considering the mass) that connects them. One is on the ground and has a mass of 4.0 kg, the second is 2.00 m above the ground when released. Using conservation of energy, find the speed of the second bucket when it hits the ground.


Homework Equations


K1+U1-Wother=K2+U2

Ug=mgh

K=[tex]\frac{1}{2}[/tex]mv2


The Attempt at a Solution


I put K1 and U2 equal to 0 and made Wother equal to m1gh. Then just solved for v by multiplying by 2/m2 and square rooting.

PHY2110755.jpg


I got 5.11 m/s but the book says 4.4 m/s. Anyone know where I messed up or what I'm not accounting for?
 
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Hi Dougggggg! :smile:

Both buckets have KE. :wink:
 
tiny-tim said:
Hi Dougggggg! :smile:

Both buckets have KE. :wink:

So I would set it equal to a second K on the right side of the equation? I will try it out and edit when I have solved.

Awesome, worked perfectly, thanks.
 
Last edited:

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