Kinetic energy and Gravitational Potential Energy

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy when an object is dropped from a height. The formula for wasted energy is established as mgH - 0.5mv², where mgH represents gravitational potential energy and 0.5mv² represents kinetic energy. It is clarified that only the vertical component of velocity is relevant for calculating gravitational potential energy, as gravity does not impart a horizontal component. For a dropped object, the equation simplifies to mgH = 0.5m(vv)², while for a thrown object, both vertical and horizontal components are considered.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy (GPE)
  • Familiarity with kinetic energy (KE) equations
  • Basic knowledge of motion in physics
  • Concept of vertical and horizontal components of velocity
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of gravitational potential energy in detail
  • Explore kinetic energy equations and their applications
  • Investigate the effects of air resistance on falling objects
  • Learn about projectile motion and its components
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding energy transformations in motion.

Sabeshan Ratneswaran
Messages
18
Reaction score
1
Hi Guys,When we are finding the wasted energy when something is dropped a tower, we do this: mgH-0.5mv^2
My question is, does the velocity of the kinetic energy have to be vertical component, or can it be the impact velocity when it hits the ground?

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you simply drop an object,it will fall vertically. The vertical component of its motion will be its only motion. Gravity can not give it a horizontal component. If you give it a horizontal component, you have given it some KE. This then remains constant (assuming no resistance.) Only the vertical component of velocity increases as it falls. So if you are considering gravitational potential energy, you are only interested in the vertical component of motion.
For a dropped object mgH = 0.5m(vv)2
For a thrown object 0.5m(vh)2 +mgH = 0.5mv2 = 0.5m(vh)2 + 0.5m(vv)2 which reduces to the above when you cancel the horizontal component.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Sabeshan Ratneswaran

Similar threads

High School Can energy be decomposed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School How does an object gain potential energy?
  • · Replies 54 ·
2
Replies
54
Views
7K
High School Conceptually understanding change in potential energy with 0 net work
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Why do we add Kinetic and Potential energy?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Undergrad What is the zero point for Potential Energy and how to find it from integral limits?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravitational potential energy
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
High School Potential energy and lifting an object vertically
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
High School How does gravity convert potential energy to kinetic?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Change of coordinates in a potential energy field
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Undergrad How to interpret this definition of potential energy?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K