Work Energy Theorem and speed

In summary, when a 20.4 N rock is thrown vertically into the air from ground level and reaches a height of 14.9 m with a speed of 26.0 m/s upward, the work-energy theorem can be used to find its speed just as it left the ground and its maximum height. The free fall acceleration is 9.80 m/s^2 and the relevant equations include Wtotal = delta K, K = mv^2, and v^2 = vi^2 + 2a(x-xi). With these equations, both the initial and final kinetic energies can be calculated, and the work done by gravity can be found using the formula w = mgsin(theta).
  • #1
Heat
273
0

Homework Statement



You throw a rock of weight 20.4 N vertically into the air from ground level. You observe that when it is a height 14.9 m above the ground, it is traveling at a speed of 26.0 m/s upward.

Use the work-energy theorem to find its speed just as it left the ground;
Use the work-energy theorem to find its maximum height.
Take the free fall acceleration to be g = 9.80 m/s^2.


Homework Equations


Wtotal = delta K

K = mv^2

v^2 = vi^2 + 2a(x-xi)

The Attempt at a Solution




I believe this can also be done using kinematic equation, since we are given vf,x,a, and we want vi.

So if this is true, I will attempt both ways :D


26^2 = vi^2 + 2(-9.8)(14.9-0)
vi = 31.11 <--------> which is right o:)

now, for using the work energy theorem.

we first need the mass.

using
w=mg

20.4 = m ( 9.8)

m = 2.08

K1 = 1.2(2.08)(v)^2
K2 = 1.2(2.08)(26)^2

K2 = 843.65
K1 = 0

...how do I proceed?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
since there is no external force (such as friction or air resistance) there is no external work done on theb all except for gravity. So the total initial energy of the ball is equal to the total final energy of the ball

what is the initial energy of the ball and the final energy of the ball?
 
  • #3
ummm...

so Winitial = Wfinal.

W=Fs

W = (F)(14.9)...?
 
  • #4
Heat said:
ummm...

so Winitial = Wfinal.

W=Fs

W = (F)(14.9)...?

No, it's not "work initial" = "work final", which in itself would not make sense.

you may either use

change of kinetic energy = total work done by gravity

OR

total final energy = total initial energy

where total energy = kinetic energy plus gravitational potential energy
 
  • #5
delta k = wg ?

if so, how do I apply this to my problem, as I have this:

K1 = 1.2(2.08)(v)^2
K2 = 1.2(2.08)(26)^2
 
  • #6
Heat said:
delta k = wg ?

if so, how do I apply this to my problem, as I have this:

K1 = 1.2(2.08)(v)^2
K2 = 1.2(2.08)(26)^2
ok so u have the final and initial kinetic energies
now how do you calculate the work done by gravity??
 
  • #7
w done by gravity is:

w = mgsin(theta)

w = 2.08 (9.8)(sin 90)
w = 20.38
 

What is the Work Energy Theorem?

The Work Energy Theorem states that the work done on an object is equal to the change in its kinetic energy. In other words, the amount of work put into an object will result in a change in its speed.

How is the Work Energy Theorem calculated?

The Work Energy Theorem can be calculated using the equation W = ΔK, where W represents the work done on the object and ΔK represents the change in its kinetic energy. This equation can also be written as W = FΔx, where F is the force applied to the object and Δx is the distance over which the force is applied.

What is the relationship between work and speed?

The relationship between work and speed is that work is directly proportional to the change in speed. This means that the more work that is done on an object, the greater the change in its speed will be.

Can the Work Energy Theorem be applied to all types of motion?

Yes, the Work Energy Theorem can be applied to all types of motion, including linear, rotational, and oscillatory motion. As long as there is a change in the object's speed, the Work Energy Theorem can be used to calculate the work done on the object.

How is speed affected by the Work Energy Theorem?

The Work Energy Theorem shows that the speed of an object will change when work is done on it. If positive work is done on an object, its speed will increase, while if negative work is done, its speed will decrease. The exact change in speed can be calculated using the Work Energy Theorem equation.

Similar threads

  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
217
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
319
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
473
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
9
Views
989
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
704
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
1K
Back
Top