Question

A basketball of mass 0.0400 kg is dropped from a height of 5.00 m to the

ground and bounces back to a height of 3.00 m.

a. On its way down, how much potential energy does the ball lose?

b. On its way back, how much potential energy does the ball regain

Answer 1

Mass of basketball = 0.0400 kg

g =<acceleration due to gravity = 9.8m/s^2

a) on its way down

Change in height = final height - initial height

= 0/00m - 5.00m = -5.00m

Loss in potential energy in way down

= Mass × acceleration due to gravity × decrease in height

$= 0.0400 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 ×-5.00m =-1.96joules$

Therefore, in its way down ball loses 1.96 joules potential energy.

b) gain in potential energy in way back

= Mass × acceleration due to gravity × increase in height

$=0.0400kg × 9.8m/s^2 × (+3.00m) =+1.176 joules.$

On its way back ball gains potential energy = +1.176 joules