Solving a Kinetic Energy Conceptual Question: 0.5m * v^2?

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around the kinetic energy of a ball thrown into the air with an initial kinetic energy of 100J. Upon returning to its original level after encountering air resistance, the ball's kinetic energy is less than 100J due to energy loss from air resistance. The key formula discussed is KE = 0.5m * v^2, which is deemed irrelevant without specific values for mass or velocity. The conclusion is that the ball's kinetic energy decreases during ascent and increases during descent, but air resistance results in a net loss of kinetic energy upon return.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of kinetic energy and potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the formula KE = 0.5m * v^2
  • Knowledge of energy conservation principles in physics
  • Basic understanding of air resistance effects on motion
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This discussion is beneficial for students studying physics, particularly those focusing on energy concepts, as well as educators seeking to clarify kinetic and potential energy relationships in real-world scenarios.

netrunnr
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A ball is thrown into the air with 100J of kinetic energy. When it returns to its original level after encountering air resistances what is it kinetic energy?

I have KE = 0.5m * v^2
I am not sure how to approach this problem as I don't have the mass or the velocity or the height of the ball.

am I using the wrong formula?
once it starts falling down isn't it really gravitation potential energy? is there really any kinetic energy there once its heading downwards? doesn't kinetic energy depend on the frame of reference?

I am not sure what the teacher wants here in this answer. I think I am not really understanding the question. help?
 
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Welcome to PF!

netrunnr said:
A ball is thrown into the air with 100J of kinetic energy. When it returns to its original level after encountering air resistances what is it kinetic energy?

Hi netrunnr! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Does the question say how much the air resistance is? :confused:
 


nope :( doesn't say anything about air resistance.

tiny-tim said:
Hi netrunnr! Welcome to PF! :smile:

Does the question say how much the air resistance is? :confused:
 
netrunnr said:
nope :( doesn't say anything about air resistance.

But you said it said "after encountering air resistances" …

did you mean "without encountering air resistances"? :confused:
 
netrunnr said:
A ball is thrown into the air with 100J of kinetic energy. When it returns to its original level after encountering air resistances what is it kinetic energy?

I have KE = 0.5m * v^2
The problem doesn't ask for either m or v so this is irrelevant.

I am not sure how to approach this problem as I don't have the mass or the velocity or the height of the ball.

am I using the wrong formula?
once it starts falling down isn't it really gravitation potential energy? is there really any kinetic energy there once its heading downwards? doesn't kinetic energy depend on the frame of reference?

I am not sure what the teacher wants here in this answer. I think I am not really understanding the question. help?
You titled this "conceptual problem" so I expect that you are not asked for specific values but just a general statement. The total energy is "Kinetic energy plus Potential Energy" and potential energy is always relative to some initial value. Initially, we know that the kinetic energy is 100J and we can take the potential energy at that height to be 0. When the ball returns to its initial height, its potential energy is again 0. What has happened to its kinetic energy? Is it the same, or is more, or is it less than before? What would be your answer if there were no air resistance?
 
I SEEE
okay so the kinetic energy decreases going up and increases going down. at the point of origin it recaptures all the kinetic energy it lost on the way up...
so then after encountering air resistance its kinetic energy is less than what it was when it started? right? so <100J ?

yah its conceptual so I think that answer will be acceptable.
 

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