Physics

Physics

Problem

A 0.50 kg0.50\,\text{kg} ball is released from rest at a height of 2.0 m2.0\,\text{m} above the ground. Neglecting air resistance, calculate the speed of the ball just before it reaches the ground.
Intuitive explanation

This is a classic energy conservation problem where gravitational potential energy converts entirely into kinetic energy. Rather than tracking the motion step-by-step, recognize that the ball's initial mghmgh is completely transformed into 12mv2\frac{1}{2}mv^2 by the time it hits the ground—no energy is lost. Set these equal and solve for vv; notice the mass cancels out, so the answer depends only on height and gravity.

Intuitive explanation

This is a classic energy conservation problem where gravitational potential energy converts entirely into kinetic energy. Rather than tracking the motion step-by-step, recognize that the ball's initial mghmgh is completely transformed into 12mv2\frac{1}{2}mv^2 by the time it hits the ground—no energy is lost. Set these equal and solve for vv; notice the mass cancels out, so the answer depends only on height and gravity.

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