A stone of mass 0.5kg is dropped from a height of 12m. Calculate its maximum kinetic energy. [g = 10ms-1]
Answer Details
When the stone is dropped, it gains potential energy due to its position above the ground. This potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the stone falls towards the ground. The maximum kinetic energy of the stone will occur just before it hits the ground when all its potential energy has been converted to kinetic energy.
The potential energy of the stone is given by the formula P.E. = mgh, where m is the mass of the stone, g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height from which it is dropped. Substituting the given values into the formula, we get:
P.E. = (0.5 kg)(10 ms^-2)(12 m) = 60 J
Since the maximum kinetic energy is equal to the potential energy at the maximum height, the maximum kinetic energy of the stone is also 60 J. Therefore, the correct option is (d) 60.0 J.