3.6 Problem Solving

Conservation of Energy

Dropped Rock Example

Here's a simple one to start with. Test your knowledge by trying the problem below.

Example:
A 1.6 kg rock is dropped from a height of 15 m. With what speed will it strike the ground. Ignore air resistance. Solve using conservation of energy (start with Ebefore = Eafter).

rock dropped


Answer: 17 m/s

Solution