A rock that had been dropped from a high platform is moving with a kinetic energy of 180 J when it strikes the ground. Ignore air resistance. What kinetic energy did the rock have when it had fallen one-third of the distance to the ground?

Verified Answer :

\(E_T = E _k_i_n + E_p_o_t = constant\)

The total energy of the rock does not change.

Let h be the ratio between the height of the rock and H, so that the height of the rock = H·h.
The energy of the rock that has been dropped from a height H just before it hits the ground with h = 0:

\(E_T= 180J + mgH \ h = 180J + mgH \ 0 = 180J + 0\)

The energy of the rock when it is released from rest from height H with h = 1 :

\(E_T = E_k_i_n + mgH = 0 + mgH = 180J\)

so: \(mgH = 180J\)

You find:

\(E_T = E_k_i_n + 180J \ h = 180\)

for \(h = \frac{1}{3}\)

\(180 = E_k_i_n + 180J \frac{1}{3} = 180J \frac{2}{3} + 180J \frac{1}{3} \\ \\ E_k_i_n = 180J \frac{2}{3} = 120J\)

180 J = (-9.8)x

x = -18.36 m

(1/3)(-18.36)= -6.12 m

(-9.8)(-6.12) = 60 J