How High Was the Building From Which the Water Balloon Was Dropped?

In summary, PE or potential energy is the stored energy in an object due to its position, while KE or kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The height of a water balloon affects its PE and KE, with higher heights resulting in greater potential energy and decreasing as it falls. The two energies can be converted into each other, with potential energy converting into kinetic energy as the balloon falls, and vice versa if the balloon is thrown upwards. The PE and KE of a water balloon can be calculated using equations, with potential energy being mgh and kinetic energy being 1/2mv^2. The temperature of the water does not directly affect the PE and KE, but extreme temperatures can change the mass and shape of
  • #1
StephenDoty
265
0
A prankster drops a water balloon from the top of a building on an unsuspecting person on the sidewalk below. If the balloon is traveling at 30.3m/s when it strikes a person's head ( 1.5m above ground). How tall is the building? Neglect air resistance.

PE= KE
mgh=.5*mv^2
h= v^2/2g
h=(30.3m/s)^2/(2*9.81m/s/s)
h=918.09 m^2/s^2 / 19.62 m/s/s
h= 46.8m

total height = 1.5m + 46.8m = 48.3m
is this right? Is the sig figs right?

Thank you
 
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  • #2
Looks right.
 
  • #3
easy.
 

FAQ: How High Was the Building From Which the Water Balloon Was Dropped?

What is the difference between PE and KE of a water balloon?

PE, or potential energy, is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position or state. In the case of a water balloon, it is the energy stored in the water molecules due to their position and the force of gravity acting on them. KE, or kinetic energy, is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. In a water balloon, this would be the energy of the water molecules moving as the balloon falls or is thrown.

How is the PE and KE of a water balloon affected by its height?

The higher the water balloon is, the greater its potential energy will be. This is because the water molecules have a greater distance to fall, and therefore more potential to convert into kinetic energy as the balloon falls. As the balloon falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

Can the PE and KE of a water balloon be converted into each other?

Yes, the PE and KE of a water balloon can be converted into each other. As mentioned before, as the balloon falls, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. On the other hand, if the balloon is thrown upwards, the kinetic energy is converted into potential energy as it rises.

How is the PE and KE of a water balloon calculated?

The potential energy of a water balloon can be calculated using the equation PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the water, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the balloon. The kinetic energy can be calculated using the equation KE = 1/2mv^2, where m is the mass of the water and v is its velocity.

How does the temperature of the water affect the PE and KE of a water balloon?

The temperature of the water does not directly affect the PE and KE of a water balloon. However, if the temperature is significantly higher, it may cause the water to evaporate, reducing the mass of the water balloon and therefore changing its potential and kinetic energy. Additionally, if the water is frozen, it may change the shape and mass of the balloon, affecting its energy as well.

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