Conservation of energy and maximum height

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of conservation of energy to find the maximum height (h_max) an object will reach when projected straight up with an initial speed (v). The question arises about finding the height (h) at which the object has a speed of 0.5v, with a suggested solution of h= (0.125*(v^2))/(g). However, there is doubt about the accuracy of this solution and further details about the problem are requested. The expert summarizes that the original solution is correct for finding h_max, and suggests using the fraction of the object's original kinetic energy to calculate its height in terms of h_max.
  • #1
senseandsanity
10
0
Using conservation of energy, I found the maximum height v to which an object will rise is h_max= ((1/2)*(v^2))/(g).
At what height h above the ground does the projectile have a speed of 0.5v?
I found h= (0.125*(v^2))/(g) but that isn't correct.
 
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  • #2
I think you did it right, but made a small algebraic blunder. Check over your work clearly.
 
  • #3
I'm still not getting the right answer and I need it for another question. Any other help would be great.
 
  • #4
Can you enlighten us a little on the details of the problem? What exactly does v represent in these equations? How do you get them?
 
  • #5
senseandsanity said:
Using conservation of energy, I found the maximum height v to which an object will rise is h_max= ((1/2)*(v^2))/(g).
I assume you mean that you found the maxiumum height for an object projected straight up at initial speed v. If so, good.
At what height h above the ground does the projectile have a speed of 0.5v?
I found h= (0.125*(v^2))/(g) but that isn't correct.
What fraction of the original KE does the object have when its speed is 0.5v? So how much of its final PE does it have? Use that to figure the height in terms of h_max.
 

FAQ: Conservation of energy and maximum height

What is the conservation of energy principle?

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant over time.

How does the conservation of energy principle apply to maximum height?

In a closed system, the total amount of energy is always conserved. When an object is thrown upwards, it gains potential energy due to its position in the Earth's gravitational field. As the object reaches its maximum height, all of its initial kinetic energy is converted into potential energy. This conversion follows the principle of conservation of energy.

What factors affect the maximum height an object can reach?

The maximum height an object can reach is affected by the initial velocity, the mass of the object, and the force of gravity. A higher initial velocity or a lighter object will result in a higher maximum height, while a stronger force of gravity will result in a lower maximum height.

Can the conservation of energy principle be applied to real-world scenarios?

Yes, the conservation of energy principle applies to all physical systems, including real-world scenarios. In everyday situations, energy may be transformed from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains constant.

Why is the conservation of energy principle important in understanding maximum height?

The conservation of energy principle is important in understanding maximum height because it helps us predict the behavior of objects in motion. By understanding how energy is conserved and transformed, we can determine the maximum height an object can reach and make accurate predictions about its trajectory.

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