The Amazing Cliff Diver: Calculating Mechanical Energy

What is the mechanical energy of a cliff diver with a mass of 125 kg jumping off a high cliff at a height of 10m and moving at 15.5 m/s? The mechanical energy of the cliff diver can be calculated by summing up the potential energy and the kinetic energy at the given height. The potential energy is the product of mass, gravity, and height, while the kinetic energy is half the product of mass and velocity squared. The mechanical energy of the cliff diver is 27,379 J.

When a cliff diver with a mass of 125 kg jumps off a high cliff at a height of 10m and moving at 15.5 m/s, we can calculate his mechanical energy by considering both potential energy and kinetic energy.

Potential Energy Calculation:

Potential energy = mass * gravity * height

Potential energy = 125 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 10 m = 12,250 J

Kinetic Energy Calculation:

Kinetic energy = 0.5 * mass * velocity^2

Kinetic energy = 0.5 * 125 kg * (15.5 m/s)^2 = 15,129 J

Mechanical Energy Calculation:

Mechanical energy = Potential energy + Kinetic energy

Mechanical energy = 12,250 J + 15,129 J = 27,379 J

Therefore, the mechanical energy of the cliff diver at a height of 10m and moving at 15.5 m/s is 27,379 J, showcasing the incredible energy involved in cliff diving.

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