A smooth slide in a playground starts at a vertical height of above the ground and…
PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power
Problem
A smooth slide in a playground starts at a vertical height of 5m above the ground and ends at ground level. A block of mass 2kg is released from rest at the top of the slide. Take g=9.8m s−2.
Answer the following.
(i) Calculate the total mechanical energy of the block at the top of the slide with respect to the ground.
(ii) Determine the kinetic energy and potential energy of the block when it has descended to a height of 2m above the ground.
(iii) Find the speed of the block when it reaches the bottom of the slide.
(iv) Using your answers, comment on whether the mechanical energy of the block is conserved during its motion down the slide.