Answer:
the change in potential energy when it reaches the highest height = 634.8 J
Explanation:
Potential Energy: This is the energy a body posses due to position.
From the law of conservation of energy,
At the highest point and lowest points, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy
I.e
Ek = Ek
Where Ek = potential energy, Ep = potential energy
Ep₁ = 1/2mu² (potential energy at the lowest point)................ Equation 1
Ep₂ = 1/2mv² (potential energy at the highest point)............. Equation 2
ΔEp = Ep₂ - Ep₁ = 1/2mu² - 1/2mv²........................ Equation 3
Where ΔEp = change in potential energy, m = mass of the ball of clay, v = final velocity of the ball of clay, u = initial velocity of the ball of clay
Given: m= 60 kg, u = 4.6 m/s v = 0 ( velocity at the maximum height)
Substituting these values into equation 3
ΔEp = 1/2×60×4.6 - 1/2×60×0²
ΔEp = 30×21.16 - 0
ΔEp = 634.8 J.
Therefore the change in potential energy when it reaches the highest height = 634.8 J
