A block of mass 2 kg is released from a height of 10 m. What is its speed just b

A block of mass 2 kg is released from a height of 10 m. What is its speed just before it hits the ground?

A block of mass 2 kg is released from a height of 10 m. What is its speed just before it hits the ground?

Step 1: Identify the mass of the block, which is 2 kg.
Step 2: Identify the height from which the block is released, which is 10 m.
Step 3: Use the formula for gravitational potential energy (PE) at height: PE = mgh, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²).
Step 4: Calculate the potential energy: PE = 2 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 10 m.
Step 5: Simplify the calculation: PE = 196 Joules.
Step 6: Understand that just before the block hits the ground, all potential energy converts to kinetic energy (KE).
Step 7: Use the formula for kinetic energy: KE = 0.5 * m * v².
Step 8: Set the potential energy equal to the kinetic energy: 196 Joules = 0.5 * 2 kg * v².
Step 9: Simplify the equation: 196 = 1 * v², so v² = 196.
Step 10: Take the square root of both sides to find v: v = sqrt(196).
Step 11: Calculate the final speed: v = 14 m/s.

Conservation of Energy – The principle that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another, in this case from potential energy to kinetic energy.
Kinetic and Potential Energy – Understanding the relationship between potential energy (mgh) and kinetic energy (0.5mv^2) is crucial for solving problems involving falling objects.
Gravitational Acceleration – Recognizing that the acceleration due to gravity (g) is approximately 9.8 m/s² near the Earth's surface.