https://physics.gurumuda.

net

Application of conservation of mechanical energy for motion on curve surface

1. A 1-kg block slides down on smooth curve surface. Determine the kinetic energy and the velocity of
the block at the lowest surface. Acceleration due to gravity is 10 m/s2.

Known :
Mass (m) = 1 kg
The change in height (h) = 5 m
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m/s2
Wanted : Kinetic energy (KE) and the velocity of the block.
Solution :
(a) Kinetic energy
The initial mechanical energy = gravitational potential energy
MEo = PE = m g h = (1)(10)(5) = 50 Joule
The final mechanical energy = kinetic energy
MEt = KE = ½ m vt2

Principle of conservation of mechanical energy states that the initial mechanical energy = the final
mechanical energy :
MEo = MEt
PE = KE
50 = KE
Kinetic energy (KE) = 50 Joule.

(b) Block's velocity

The principle of conservation of mechanical energy :
The initial mechanical energy (MEo) = the final mechanical energy (MEt)
The gravitational potential energy (PE) = kinetic energy (KE)
50 = ½ m v2
2(50) / m = v2
100 / 1 = v2
100 = v2
v = √100
v = 10 m/s

2. A 2-kg object slides down without friction. What is the kinetic energy and the velocity of the object
at 2 meters above the ground. Acceleration due to gravity is 10 m/s2
Known :
Mass (m) = 2 kg
The change in height (h) = 10 – 2 = 8 m
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 10 m/s2
Wanted : kinetic energy (KE) and velocity (v) at 2 meters above the
ground.
Solution :

Read more
https://physics.gurumuda.net/application-of-conservation-of-mechanical-energy-for-
motion-on-curve-surface.htm