Potential vs Kinetic Energy Help

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating potential energy (PE), kinetic energy (KE), and total energy for a ball dropped from a height of 100 meters using Fortran 95. The relevant equations are KE = 1/2mv² and PE = mgh, with the velocity derived from v = √(2gh). The main challenge identified is the absence of mass in the problem statement, which leads to the realization that mass can be canceled out due to the conservation of energy principle, allowing for the calculation of energy without needing a specific mass value.

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  • Understanding of classical mechanics concepts, specifically potential and kinetic energy.
  • Familiarity with Fortran 95 programming language.
  • Knowledge of algebraic manipulation and solving equations.
  • Basic principles of conservation of energy.
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pinkvoid
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SO I am writing this fortran 95 program and the problem statement is the following:

-Calculate the potential energy, kinetic energy, and total energy when a ball with an
initial velocity of 0 is dropped from a 100 m building.



KE = 1/2mv^2
PE = mgh
v = (2gh)^(1/2)


The main issue I am having is the fact that the problem never gave a mass. I know
that from the law of conservation of energy that I can set KE=PE and cancel out the
masses. However this doesn't really get me anywhere. So far I have calculated all of
my velocities that I need. But now I am stuck. Unless there is some super easy way to
solve this and I just don't see it...

mgh=(1/2)mv^2

gh=(1/2)v^2 <=== This doesn't get me anywhere though
 
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mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2} \rightarrow v = \sqrt{2gh}

Take the square root of both sides. =)
 

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