How Is Kinetic Energy Affected by Different Fall Speeds?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around kinetic energy and its relationship with different fall speeds, as well as gravitational effects on various objects. The subject area includes concepts from mechanics and gravitational physics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between velocity and kinetic energy, questioning how changes in speed affect energy calculations. There are attempts to clarify the impact of air resistance on energy loss and the gravitational effects at varying heights. Some participants also question the validity of provided answers and calculations.

Discussion Status

Some guidance has been offered regarding the calculations of kinetic energy and gravitational effects. Participants are engaging with each other's reasoning, and there is a mix of agreement and questioning about the accuracy of certain values and methods used in the problems.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about specific calculations and the implications of air resistance. There are also concerns regarding the assumptions made in the problems, particularly in relation to the mass of celestial bodies and gravitational acceleration.

rexhi
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I would really appreciate to know how some problems are solved!

1)Two different objects are dropped from rest off of a 50-m-tall cliff. One lands going 30% faster than the other. The two ojects have the same mass. How much more kinetic energy does one object have at the landing than the other? The answer is 69% more why?

2) A projectile is fired vertically at a speed of 30 m/s. It reaches a maximum height of 44.1 m. What fraction of its initial energy has been lost to air resistance at this point? the answer is 2%, can somebody explain me why?

3) At what height above the Earth's surface is the acceleration due to gravity 10% of that at sea level? 1.36 x 10^7 m

4) The moon has 1/2 the acceleration of gravity of the earth. What would the mass of the Earth have to be to have this acceleration at its surface? 1.03x10^3

I wouuld really appreciate if someone can help me, physics is my weakness :(
 
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1.
E = 1/2 m v^2
This depends on v^2 and so, the ratio of energies will be the ratio of the velocities squared, so E_1/E_2 = (1.3v_1)^2/v_2
which gives 1.69, ie 69% more kinetic energy

2. with no air resitance v^2 = 2gs where v is the initial velocity, g the acceleration due to gravity and s the maximum height. calculation this gives 45, now just go 44.1/45 to give 0.02, ie 2%

3. g = GM/r, use this and the fact that 10% of g is 0.1g, divide g by 0.1 g to get the answer.

4. I am not sure you have this answer right, because that is a migthy small mass for a planet to have. Solve this one by using the equation in 3, with 0.5g at the front.
 
thank you so much for your help SporadicSmile :)

by the way 1.3 was it achieved by (1/2)/(1/2) + 0.3?
 
Actually,

<br /> g = GM/r^2 <br />
 

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