A 0.20-kg stone is held 1.3 m above the top edge of a water well and then dropped into it. The well has a depth of 5.0 m. Relative to the configuration with the stone at the top edge of the well, what is the gravitational potential energy of the stone–Earth system (a) before the stone is released and (b) when it reaches the bottom of the well? (c) What is the change in gravitational potential energy of the system from release to reaching the bottom of the well?

Physics for Scientists and Engineers: Foundations and Connections
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ISBN:9781133939146
Author:Katz, Debora M.
Publisher:Katz, Debora M.
Chapter8: Conservation Of Energy
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A 0.20-kg stone is held 1.3 m above the top edge of a water well and then dropped into it. The well has a depth of 5.0 m. Relative to the configuration with the stone at the top edge of the well, what is the gravitational potential energy of the stone–Earth system (a) before the stone is released and (b) when it reaches the bottom of the well? (c) What is the change in gravitational potential energy of the system from release to reaching the bottom of the well?

Expert Solution
Step 1

(a)

Let h1 be defined as the height of stone before it dropped, and m be defined as the mass of the stone then the potential energy of the stone and earth system before the stone is dropped is,

Physics homework question answer, step 1, image 1

Step 2

(b)

When stone reaches the bottom of the well the gravitational potential energy be calculated as,

Physics homework question answer, step 2, image 1

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