A mass of 2kg is dropped from rest at a height of 10m. i) What is the initial GPE of the mass? ii) What is the final velocity of the mass when it hits the ground?

Part iGravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = mass x gravitational acceleration constant x heightGPE = 2 x 9.81 x 10 = 196.2JPart iiConservation of energy states that the sum of the GPE and KE at the intial position is equal to the sum of the GPE and KE at the final position.GPE1 + KE1 = GPE2 + KE2(KE = 0.5 x m x v2)As the mass is released from rest the initial velocity is 0, KE1 = 0.As the mass is 0m above the ground in the final position, GPE2 = 0.So, GPE1 = KE2mgh = 0.5mv2196.2 = 0.5(2)(v2)v2 = 196.2v = 14ms-1

ZS
Answered by Zaakir S. Physics tutor

4140 Views

See similar Physics GCSE tutors

Related Physics GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Draw a graph depicting a skydivers speed against time when jumping from a plane, until he deploys his parachute, explaining the logic of your answer through the forces applicable to the body.


What is the name given to waves where the oscillations are in the same direction as the wave energy?


What is a critical angle and when does total internal reflection take place?


Describe how making a saucepan black and adding fins will help heat food up faster


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning