Question

A ball of mass 0.5 kg is thrown vertically upward with a velocity of 8 m/s. Calculate the maximum potential energy it gains at the highest point.

Answer 1

Given: Mass of ball, m = 0.5 kg

Initial velocity, v = 8 m s⁻¹

At the highest point, the ball’s initial kinetic energy is completely converted into gravitational potential energy.

Maximum P.E. = `1/2 m v^2`

= `1/2 xx 0.5 xx 8^2`

= `1/2 xx 0.5 xx 8 xx 8`

= 0.25 × 64

= 16 J