Alice drops an apple from a height of 2 m above the ground. Assuming there is no air resistance, what is the speed of the apple when it hits the ground?

Since there is no loss of energy to air resistance and the apple is freely falling under the influence of gravity, this is an example where we can apply the principle of conservation of energy. In the initial state, just before it is released, the apple only has potential energy:  E0 = mgh, where m is the mass of the apple, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height above the ground from which the apple is dropped. When it hits the ground, this energy has converted to kinetic energy: Ef = mv2/2, where v is the velocity we need to find. Equating the two expressions and re-arranging to solve for speed, gives v = (2gh)1/2.  (Answer: v = 6.26 ms-1)

OD
Answered by Oana D. Physics tutor

2617 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Explain the resistance of and electrical component and what affects its value in a wire.


How do you rearrange equations at Physics GCSE ?


A block of mass 5kg moving in a straight line at constant speed travels 50 metres in 14 seconds. Calculate the block's momentum.


A car of mass 1000 kg is travelling at 20 (m/s). The car crashes into a tree, and comes to a complete halt in 0.05s. Calculate the force acting on the car during the collision.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences