Potential Energy of .2kg Stone Thrown Upward

AI Thread Summary
A .2kg stone is thrown upward with an initial velocity of 7.5 m/s from a height of 1.2 m, and the goal is to find its potential energy at maximum height. The initial approach using kinematic equations to find height resulted in a misunderstanding, as the calculated height does not represent potential energy. Instead, energy conservation principles should be applied, where the total mechanical energy at the start equals the potential energy at maximum height. In a separate discussion about a roller coaster on a frictionless track, it is noted that the mass cancels out when equating potential and kinetic energy, allowing for the calculation of speed at different points without needing mass. Understanding these energy concepts is crucial for solving both problems accurately.
superdave
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Alright, another one I am messing up somehow

.2kg stone thrown vertically upward with initial vof 7.5 starting at 1.2 m.

Find potential energy at max height.

I use

v^2=v0^2+2a(y-y0)
solving for y:
y=-v0^2/2a+y0 = 7.5^2/(2*9.8) + 1.2 = 6.7 J
the answer is wrong
 
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This one may be easier if you consider energy. Remember that energy is conserved. How much energy do you have at the start? Therefore, how much energy must you have at max height?
 
Hrm. So I find U+K for the start. And then it'll all be K at the max height?

I'll do that, but can you tell me what's wrong with the way I did it?
 
superdave said:
solving for y:
y=-v0^2/2a+y0 = 7.5^2/(2*9.8) + 1.2 = 6.7 J
the answer is wrong
The height is not the potential energy. Use it to find the potential energy. (If you checked your units, you'd be less likely to make this kind of mistake.)
 
Okay, new question

Rollar coaster, frictionless track.
Speed at A (5.0 M, top of a hill)=5.0 m/s, what is the speed at B (bottom of hill).

I don't know how to solve this using the energy equations, because we don't know the mass.
 
Try to set up equations. What must the final energy equal?
 
superdave said:
Okay, new question

Rollar coaster, frictionless track.
Speed at A (5.0 M, top of a hill)=5.0 m/s, what is the speed at B (bottom of hill).

I don't know how to solve this using the energy equations, because we don't know the mass.
You do know that the sum of potential energy and kinetic energy at the top equals the kinetic energy at the bottom. If you set up the equations, you'll notice that the mass cancels out of both sides of the equation.
 
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