What is the total mechanical energy of a system at the highest point of a projec
Practice Questions
Q1
What is the total mechanical energy of a system at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory?
Maximum potential energy
Maximum kinetic energy
Zero energy
Constant energy
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
What is the total mechanical energy of a system at the highest point of a projectile's trajectory?
Step 1: Understand that a projectile is an object that is thrown into the air and follows a curved path due to gravity.
Step 2: Recognize that the highest point of the projectile's path is called the peak or apex.
Step 3: At the highest point, the speed of the projectile is at its lowest, which means its kinetic energy is also at its lowest (it can be zero if it momentarily stops).
Step 4: At the same highest point, the height of the projectile is at its maximum, which means its potential energy is at its highest.
Step 5: Total mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy in the system.
Step 6: Since kinetic energy is minimum (zero at the peak) and potential energy is maximum at the highest point, the total mechanical energy is equal to the maximum potential energy.
