What is the kinetic energy of a falling rock?

AI Thread Summary
A person drops a 0.5 kg stone from a 100 m high cliff, and the discussion focuses on calculating the stone's final velocity and kinetic energy. The correct formula for final velocity is v = √(2gx), where g is the acceleration due to gravity. The initial calculation incorrectly included mass, leading to a final velocity of 44.27 m/s after correcting the formula. Kinetic energy can be calculated using the formula KE = 0.5 * m * v², where the mass of the stone and the final velocity are used. Understanding these concepts is essential for solving the problem accurately.
The Futur
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Homework Statement


b) A person standing on the edge of a 100 m high cliff drops a 0.5 kg stone vertically downwards. Determine the final velocity of the stone after falling 100m, and its kinetic energy.


Homework Equations


Final velocity
v = √(2gx)

The Attempt at a Solution



final velocity

v = √(2gx)
v = √(2(0.5x9.8)100)
v= 31.3m/s
is that correct?

how do i calculate the kinetic energy?
 
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The Futur said:
how do i calculate the kinetic energy?

Are you familiar with conservation of energy or the kinetic energy formula?
 
Last edited:
The Futur said:

Homework Statement


b) A person standing on the edge of a 100 m high cliff drops a 0.5 kg stone vertically downwards. Determine the final velocity of the stone after falling 100m, and its kinetic energy.


Homework Equations


Final velocity
v = √(2gx)

The Attempt at a Solution



final velocity

v = √(2gx)
v = √(2(0.5x9.8)100)
v= 31.3m/s
is that correct?

how do i calculate the kinetic energy?

The velocity is wrong. You don't use the mass to calculate it (see your formula).
The mass is used to calculate the kinetic energy.
 
so it will be

v = √(2gx)
v = √(2(9.8)100)
v= 44.27m/s ?

and no i don't know how to calculate the second part
 
The Futur said:
so it will be

v = √(2gx)
v = √(2(9.8)100)
v= 44.27m/s ?

and no i don't know how to calculate the second part

Read the page of Wikepedia about kinetic energy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinetic_energy
 
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