A mass of 2kg is dropped from rest at a height of 10m. i) What is the initial GPE of the mass? ii) What is the final velocity of the mass when it hits the ground?

Part iGravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = mass x gravitational acceleration constant x heightGPE = 2 x 9.81 x 10 = 196.2JPart iiConservation of energy states that the sum of the GPE and KE at the intial position is equal to the sum of the GPE and KE at the final position.GPE1 + KE1 = GPE2 + KE2(KE = 0.5 x m x v2)As the mass is released from rest the initial velocity is 0, KE1 = 0.As the mass is 0m above the ground in the final position, GPE2 = 0.So, GPE1 = KE2mgh = 0.5mv2196.2 = 0.5(2)(v2)v2 = 196.2v = 14ms-1

ZS
Answered by Zaakir S. Physics tutor

4456 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Define Newton's three laws


What is the conservation of energy?


Explain Newton's laws of motion


Why do astronauts feel weightless while in orbit?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning