Calculating Potential and Kinetic Energy for Objects in Motion

  • Thread starter phiber
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In summary, the elevator developed 73000 W of power while carrying a 90-kg man to the top floor of a building in 45 seconds. After the collision between a 600-kg car and a 1000-kg parked car, the cars were traveling at 101.875 km/h and had a kinetic energy of 8302812 J. The potential and kinetic energies of a 500-g ball resting on top of a 15-meter tall tower were 73.5 J and 0, respectively. After falling 10 meters, the ball had a kinetic energy of 49 J and a potential energy of 24.5 J. When the ball was 1 meter above the ground, its kinetic energy
  • #1
phiber
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0
1. A 2150-kg elevator carries a 90-kg man from the ground up to the top floor of a building in 45 seconds. In doing so, the elevator develops 73000 W of power. How high was the man carried?

(73000 W) (45 s) = 3285 kJ
(9.8 m/s ^2) (2240 kg) = 21952 N

3285 kJ / 21952 N = 149.64 m



2. A 600-kg car traveling at 163 km/hr collides head-on with a 1000-kg parked car. If the cars stick together after impact, how fast are they then traveling? What is their kinetic energy?

(1000 kg) (163 km/h) = (600 kg + 1000 kg) (101.875 km/h)
½ (1600 kg) (101.875) = 8302812 J





3. A 500-g ball rest on top of a tower, 15 meters tall. Calculate its potential and kinetic energies a) when the ball rests on top of the tower, b) after the ball has fallen 10 meters toward the ground, c) 1 meter above the ground.

a. KE = 0
PE = (.5 kg) (9.8 m/s^2) (15 m)
PE = 73.5 J

b. KE = ½ (.5 kg) (196 m/s)
KE = 49 J
PE = (.5 kg) (9.8 m/s^2) (5 m)
PE = 24.5 J

c. KE = ½ (.5 kg) (274.4 m/s)
KE = 68.6 J
PE = (.5 kg) (9.8 m/s^2) (1 m)
PE = 4.9 J
 
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  • #2
The numbers appear to be ok.

You need to be more careful with your units

KE = ½ (.5 kg) (196 m/s)
Should read

KE = ½ (.5 kg) (196 (m/s)2)
 
  • #3
seems ok to me...

marlon
 

1. What is the difference between potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE)?

Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or state, while kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.

2. How are PE and KE related?

PE and KE are interconvertible forms of energy. This means that PE can be converted into KE and vice versa. For example, when a ball is held at a certain height, it has PE. When it is dropped, the PE is converted into KE as it gains speed and falls towards the ground.

3. Can an object have both PE and KE at the same time?

Yes, an object can have both PE and KE at the same time. For example, a swinging pendulum has both PE at the highest point of its swing and KE at the lowest point.

4. How is PE and KE calculated?

The formula for calculating PE is PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object. The formula for calculating KE is KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the object and v is its velocity.

5. Can PE and KE be negative?

Yes, PE and KE can be negative. This usually occurs when the reference point for measuring PE is below the object's initial position, or when the object's velocity is in the opposite direction of the chosen positive direction. However, the total energy (PE + KE) of a closed system will always remain constant, regardless of negative values.

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