What Is the Speed of a Tennis Ball Dropped from 20m?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the speed of a tennis ball dropped from a height of 20 meters using potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) formulas. The equations used are PE = mgh and KE = 1/2 mv^2, leading to the conclusion that the speed upon impact is 19.8 m/s. There is clarification on the notation "2dp," which stands for two decimal places. Participants also discuss the importance of rearranging equations before substituting values. The final answer is confirmed as V = 19.8 m/s.
RachelT
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Homework Statement



Using formulae for PE and KE, find the speed that a tennis ball hits the ground when dropped from 20m.

Homework Equations



m x g x h and 1/2 x m x v^2

The Attempt at a Solution



PE=KE

Mgh = 1/2mv^2 (masses cancel out)
9.8 x 20.= 1/2 v^2
196 = 1/2 v^2
196/ 1/2 = v^2
392 = v^2
V = 19.8(2dp) ms-1

Am I correct? Thankyou
 
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yes but what is the (2dp) in ..

V = 19.8(2dp) ms-1

Answer should just be

V = 19.8 ms-1


Allways better to rearrange the equation before putting in the numbers.
 
Thankyou
 
Oh I see you mean two decimal places?
 
Haha yeah 2dp, that's the English way (guessing your not English?)
 
Yes English (but was still awake at 2am last night so not on best form today :-).
 
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