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To find the velocity of a falling object using conservation of energy, total energy must be considered, which is the sum of potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE). At the highest point, potential energy is maximized (PEmax = mgh), while at the lowest point, kinetic energy is maximized (KEmax = ½ mv^2). The principle states that the change in potential energy equals the change in kinetic energy, allowing for the calculation of speed at any point during the fall. Importantly, the speed of the object is independent of its mass. Understanding that total energy equals the sum of potential and kinetic energy at any point is crucial for solving these types of problems.
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For a given system in which energy is conserved, how do you use the concept of conservation of energy to find the velocity of a falling object, given its mass, original height of elevation, and the distance it has fallen?

Find Total Energy; @ high point PEmax=mgh; @btm point KEmax= ½ mv^2; equate PE=KE; @ a position in between Total Energy =PE+KE @ that point.

Does this sound right?
 
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Yep, it does sound right to me. Just equate the change in potential energy (given that initial speed is zero) with the change in kinetic energy to get the speed. This equation then holds for every point between the two limit positions. Another nice result is that the speed is independent of the object's mass.
 
For any position in between PE=KE is wrong. But total energy=PE + KE is correct for any point in the path.

As the question suggests all it's looking for is showing an understanding to TOTAL ENERGY=POTENTIAL ENERGY+KINETIC ENERGY at any point.

Best of luck for your exam :)
 
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