Conservation of mechanical energy ?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around using the conservation of mechanical energy to determine the maximum height a stone reaches when thrown upwards with an initial velocity of 20 m/s. Participants clarify that instead of relying on kinematic equations, one should calculate the initial kinetic energy and set it equal to the gravitational potential energy at the highest point. The gravitational acceleration is noted as -10 m/s², which is relevant for the calculations. The importance of understanding energy conservation principles is emphasized, as it simplifies the problem-solving process. Overall, the conversation highlights the correct application of energy conservation in physics problems.
birch137
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conservation of mechanical energy ?

i found this tricky since i would usually use something like v^2=u^2+2as but i don't have enough variables this time so I don’t even know which direction to go

a stone is thrown upwards with u=20m/s. use conservation of mechanical energy to find out how huigh it will go?

Oh I was told in a similar question earlier to take g as -10m/s^2 I am not sure if I need this for this question

Thanks very much to anyone who take the time to help me
 
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You don't need to(and are told NOT to, and to instead use conservation of energy) use those equations, however you still could as you were given initial velocity, and you know acceleration is g, like always, you would probably have to make a system of equations

However what you're sposed to do is say "oh I know its initial kinetic energy is 1/2mv^2, and I know at its highest point it will have no KE and nothing but gravitational potential energy, and I know that its total energy at any given point will need to equal its initial energy"
 
thank you

i can see how stupid I've been, i should have a problem now
 
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