Kinetic/Potential Energy and Work help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a physics problem involving kinetic and potential energy, specifically focusing on a baseball thrown by an outfielder. The problem includes calculations for kinetic energy at different points, work done by gravity, and the height reached by the ball.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate kinetic energy and work done by gravity, expressing confidence in the initial calculations but uncertainty regarding the work-energy theorem and its application to parts C and D. Some participants question the assumptions made about the work done by gravity and its sign based on the direction of forces and motion.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with some participants providing affirmations and others prompting further exploration of the concepts involved, particularly regarding the work-energy theorem and the implications of directionality in work calculations.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses confusion specifically about parts C and D, indicating a need for clarification on the relationship between kinetic energy changes and gravitational potential energy. There is an assumption that the work done by gravity can be inferred from kinetic energy changes, which is under discussion.

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Homework Statement


A baseball outfielder throws a 0.15kg ball at 45m/s at an initial angle of 35°.
a) What is the kinetic energy of the ball as it leaves the player's hand?
b) What is the kinetic energy of the ball at its highest point of trajectory?
c) Gravity is the only force acting on the ball as it moves to the highest point. How much work did gravity do?
d) How high is the ball?
(C and D must use the work energy theorem)

Homework Equations


Kinetic energy = (1/2)mv2
Grav. potential energy = mgΔy
Work = FΔrcosθ

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm pretty confident on parts A and B, C and D are where I'm slightly confused

a) (1/2)mv2 = 0.5 * .15kg * 45m/s2 = 151.9J

b) 0.5 * .15kg * (45cos(35°))2 = 101.9J

c) I'm not sure where to go mathematically from here, because I don't know the max height, and the only equation I can think of requires it.

I assume the work done by gravity is 50J though, because from part a and b, the change in kinetic was -50, and that'd have to change to grav. potential energy.

If C was correct at 50, this is how I'd think to do D.
d) Grav potential(U) = mgΔy
U/mg = Δy = 50/(.15*9.8) = 34m

If someone can check all my work and explain what's wrong, that'd be great! Thank you!
 
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Last edited:
Yes you are right
 
xx3dgxx said:
I assume the work done by gravity is 50J though, because from part a and b, the change in kinetic was -50, and that'd have to change to grav. potential energy.
Work done by a force is ∫F.ds, where all vectors must be measured in the same sense. If the force, gravity, acts down and the distance moved is up, what sign would the work done have?
 

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