A ball is thrown vertically downwards at a speed of 10ms^-1 from a height of 10m. Upon hitting the floor 10% of the energy is dissipated through waste heat. What is the heighest point the ball reaches before it comes to rest? Take g=10ms^-2

The first step is to calculate the initial energy of the system. at the moment of throwing. Energy is comprised of both potential (given by Mgh) and kinetic(given by 0.5Mv^2), and so the initial energy is : Mg(10) +1/2 * M * (10)^2 = 150M, where M is mass of the ball and h is its height.As energy is conserved, the energy at the instant of bouncing is the same, so we multiply by 0.9 to get the energy at the start of the next cycle. Again, due to conservation of energy, the highest point is given by the instant when this energy is all converted into potential energy, giving: MgH = 0.9 * 150M , which gives H = 13.5m. Important to note here is that this is the highest point in any of the subsequent cycles, as the total energy in the system can never exceed this value, and as 13.5m > 10m, the answer is 13.5m

Answered by Russell J. Physics tutor

1381 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Define the work function of a metal


How do you work out the direction and strength of the force on a current carrying wire in a magnetic field?


A motorist traveling at 10m/s, was able to bring his car to rest in a distance of 10m. If he had been traveling at 30m/s, in what distance could he bring his cart to rest using the same breaking force?


Two trains are heading in opposite directions on the same track. Train X has a mass of 16000kg and a speed of 2.8m/s. Train Y has a mass of 12000kg and a speed of 3.1m/s. At what speed do the joined trains move off together immediately after the collison?


We're here to help

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