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

4143 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

A jug containing 0.250 kg of liquid is put into a refrigerator. Its temperature decreased from 20°C to 15°C. The amount of energy transferred from the liquid was 5,250 J. Calculate the specific heat capacity of the liquid.


Why do objects reach terminal velocity?


Coal is a non-renewable energy resource. Name two other non-renewable energy resources.


Could you explain the how an AC generator works?


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