Kinetic and Potential Energy of Baseball Graphing Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between kinetic energy (k.e.) and gravitational potential energy (p.e.) of a baseball thrown vertically. The baseball is thrown at time t=0 and caught at t=5 seconds, with air resistance being negligible. The key conclusion is that the potential energy graph is the inverse of the kinetic energy graph, as the total mechanical energy remains constant throughout the motion. Understanding this relationship is crucial for accurately sketching the potential energy graph based on the previously created kinetic energy graph.

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  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy calculations
  • Basic knowledge of graphing techniques in physics
  • Knowledge of the conservation of mechanical energy principle
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This discussion is beneficial for physics students, educators, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of energy transformations in projectile motion.

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A baseball is thrown directly upward at time t=0 and is caught again at time t=5\;\rm s. Assume that air resistance is so small that it can be ignored and that the zero point of gravitational potential energy is located at the position at which the ball leaves the thrower's hand.

I need to sketch a graph of the baseball's gravitational potential energy. I am stuck at this part. I already did the graph for kinetic energy but I do not know what to do for this
 
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If, as you say, you already have the kinetic energy graph, then the potential energy graph is the exact inverse of it. This is because the total energy (k.e. + p.e) is constant. As the one goes up the other goes down such that the sum stays the same.
 
thank you
 

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