To determine if the student is correct, we can use the equation for gravitational potential energy to find the kinetic energy of the ball when it hits the ground. The equation is:
Kinetic energy (KE) = mass (m) × gravitational acceleration (g) × height (h)
Given:
Height (h) = 3.0 meters
Gravitational acceleration (g) = 9.8 m/s^2
Since the mass is not given, let's assume it to be 1 kg for simplicity. Substitute the values into the equation:
KE = 1 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 × 3.0 meters
KE = 29.4 joules
Therefore, if the height from which the ball is dropped is 3.0 meters and the mass is 1 kg (as assumed), the kinetic energy upon hitting the ground would be 29.4 joules.
Since 29.4 joules is less than 96 joules, the student is correct in claiming that the ball dropped 3.0 meters would have fewer than 96 joules of kinetic energy upon hitting the ground.
The student claims that a ball dropped 3.0 meters would have fewer than 96 joules of kinetic energy upon hitting the ground. Is she correct? Why?
1 answer