What Is the Speed of a Tennis Ball Dropped from 20m?

In summary, to find the speed of a tennis ball dropped from 20m, we can use the formulae for potential energy and kinetic energy. By setting the two equations equal to each other and solving for velocity, we get V = 19.8 ms-1. It is recommended to rearrange the equation before plugging in the numbers and the final answer should only have two decimal places.
  • #1
RachelT
9
0

Homework Statement



Using formulae for PE and KE, find the speed that a tennis ball hits the ground when dropped from 20m.

Homework Equations



m x g x h and 1/2 x m x v^2

The Attempt at a Solution



PE=KE

Mgh = 1/2mv^2 (masses cancel out)
9.8 x 20.= 1/2 v^2
196 = 1/2 v^2
196/ 1/2 = v^2
392 = v^2
V = 19.8(2dp) ms-1

Am I correct? Thankyou
 
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  • #2
yes but what is the (2dp) in ..

V = 19.8(2dp) ms-1

Answer should just be

V = 19.8 ms-1


Allways better to rearrange the equation before putting in the numbers.
 
  • #3
Thankyou
 
  • #4
Oh I see you mean two decimal places?
 
  • #5
Haha yeah 2dp, that's the English way (guessing your not English?)
 
  • #6
Yes English (but was still awake at 2am last night so not on best form today :-).
 

FAQ: What Is the Speed of a Tennis Ball Dropped from 20m?

1. What is the concept of conservation of energy?

The concept of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can only be converted from one form to another. This means that the total amount of energy in a closed system remains constant.

2. Why is the conservation of energy important?

The conservation of energy is important because it is a fundamental principle in physics that helps us understand and predict the behavior of energy in different systems. It allows us to make accurate calculations and predictions about the energy transformations in a system.

3. What are some examples of conservation of energy in everyday life?

Some examples of conservation of energy in everyday life include a swinging pendulum, a rolling ball, and turning on a light switch. In all of these examples, energy is transformed from one form to another, but the total amount of energy remains constant.

4. How is the conservation of energy related to the law of thermodynamics?

The conservation of energy is closely related to the first law of thermodynamics, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, but it can only be converted from one form to another. The first law of thermodynamics is essentially a restatement of the principle of conservation of energy.

5. Are there any exceptions to the conservation of energy?

There are no known exceptions to the conservation of energy. However, in certain systems, it may appear that energy is not conserved due to external factors such as friction or non-conservative forces. But in reality, the total energy of the system and its surroundings remains constant.

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