A ball of mass is released from rest from the edge of a cliff above the ground

PHYSICS · Multi-part · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power

Problem

A ball of mass

0.5\,\text{kg}

is released from rest from the edge of a cliff

25\,\text{m}

above the ground. Ignore air resistance. (i) After the ball has fallen through

15\,\text{m}

, calculate the decrease in its gravitational potential energy. (ii) Hence find the kinetic energy gained by the ball after falling

15\,\text{m}

. (iii) Determine the speed of the ball when it is

10\,\text{m}

above the ground. (iv) Using your results, verify that the total mechanical energy of the ball remains constant during its fall.