Energy created by falling object

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the energy produced by a falling object, specifically a 1.36 kg weight falling 0.1524 meters. The correct calculation for gravitational potential energy is derived from the formula mgΔh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and Δh is the height fallen. The resulting energy is approximately 2.032 joules, confirming that the energy generated by the falling object is equivalent to the gravitational potential energy lost during the fall.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy
  • Familiarity with the formula mgΔh
  • Basic knowledge of physics concepts such as mass and acceleration due to gravity
  • Ability to perform unit conversions and calculations in joules
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of energy conservation in physics
  • Learn about kinetic energy and its relationship to potential energy
  • Explore the effects of different masses and heights on energy calculations
  • Investigate real-world applications of gravitational potential energy in engineering
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of energy transformation in falling objects.

Greg E
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If there is a 1.36 kg weight falling .1524 meters,
how many joules are created when the object reachs the end of the .1524 meters. How do you calculate this?
I came up with 2.032 joules which is .20723 kg meters which I think is enough power to lift 1.36 kg .1524 meters which is the same as where I started and that cannot be correct because a falling object has more power than the same object standing still.
Thanks,
Greg
 
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This seems like a homework problem from Introductory Physics.

However, an object falling implies falling due to gravity. What one has is a conversion/transformation from gravitational potential energy to kinetic energy.

Taking the acceleration of gravity to be constant, the change in gravitational potential energy is mg[itex]\Delta h[/itex], where [itex]\Delta h[/itex] is the change in elevation.
 

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