Question - An object of mass 40 kg is raised to a height of 5 m above the ground. What is its potential energy? If the object is allowed to fall, find its kinetic energy when it is half-way down.
Answer -
Gravitational mechanical energy is given by the expression,
W = mgh
Where,
h = Vertical displacement = 5 m, m = Mass of the item = 40 kg
g = Acceleration because of gravity = 9.8 m s−2
∴ W = 40 × 5 × 9.8 = 1960 J.
At half-way down, the mechanical energy of the item are going to be 1960/2
At this time, the item has an equal quantity of potential and K.E.
This can be due to law of conservation of energy. Hence, half-way down, the K.E. of the item can be 980 J.