What is the kinetic energy and velocity of the aluminum sphere in Problem 1.4 at the moment it hits the ground? (Assume that energy is conserved during the fall and that 100% of the sphere's initial potential energy is converted to kinetic energy by the time impact occurs.)

Key Concepts

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion, calculated using the formula KE = 1/2 mv², where m is the mass and v is the velocity of the object. In the context of the falling aluminum sphere, its kinetic energy at the moment of impact is equal to the potential energy it had at its initial height, assuming no energy losses.

Potential Energy

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position or configuration, commonly expressed as PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the ground. For the aluminum sphere, its initial potential energy is converted entirely into kinetic energy as it falls, illustrating the principle of conservation of energy.

Conservation of Energy

The conservation of energy principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another. In this scenario, the potential energy of the aluminum sphere at its height is transformed into kinetic energy as it falls, allowing us to equate the two forms of energy to find the sphere's velocity and kinetic energy at impact.