Potential vs Kinetic Energy Help

[pinkvoid]

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

 

[buffordboy23]

$$mgh = \frac{1}{2}mv^{2} \rightarrow v = \sqrt{2gh}$$

Take the square root of both sides. =)

 

[baba89]

Dear writer,

Thank you for reaching out for help with your Fortran 95 program. It seems like you are on the right track with calculating the potential and kinetic energies using the equations you have provided. However, you are correct in noting that without knowing the mass of the ball, you cannot calculate the exact values for these energies.

In order to solve this problem, you will need to make some assumptions about the mass of the ball. One approach could be to assume a standard mass for a ball, such as 1 kg, and use that value in your calculations. Another approach could be to ask the user to input the mass of the ball when running the program.

Once you have a value for the mass, you can use the equations you have already calculated to find the potential, kinetic, and total energies of the ball. Remember to consider the units of measurement for each variable (e.g. meters for height, meters per second for velocity, and kilograms for mass) to ensure that your final answer has the correct units.

If you are still having trouble, you can try breaking down the problem into smaller steps. For example, first calculate the potential energy using the given height and the assumed or user-input mass. Then use this value to find the kinetic energy using the equation you have provided. Finally, add the two energies together to find the total energy.

I hope this helps guide you in solving your program. As a scientist, it is important to make assumptions and use problem solving skills to find solutions, even when all the information is not provided. Good luck with your program!