Isaac Newton was said to have been inspired to develop the theory of gravitation by…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials
Problem
Isaac Newton was said to have been inspired to develop the theory of gravitation by watching an apple fall from a tree. Ignore air resistance and take g=10Nkg−1. An apple of mass 100g is on a branch 6.0m above the ground.
(1) Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the apple and the time it takes to reach the ground.
(2) Using equations of kinematics, calculate the speed of the apple just before it hits the ground.
(3) Using conservation of mechanical energy, calculate the speed of the apple just before it hits the ground.