John has 40 J of gravitational potential energy when he is standing still on a diving board. Find his mechanical energy

Elleanor Mckenzie

Elleanor Mckenzie

Answered question

2021-10-06

John has 40 J of gravitational potential energy when he is standing still on a diving board.
Find his mechanical energy

Answer & Explanation

Viktor Wiley

Viktor Wiley

Skilled2021-10-07Added 84 answers

The total mechanical energy is equal to the sum of the kinetic and potential energies. Because John is standing on the diving board, his kinetic energy is equal to zero. Because of that, his total mechanical energy is equal to his gravitational potential energy and amounts to 40 J.
If John jumps into the water, his gravitation potential energy decreases, and kinetic energy increase. At the moment when John is dropping in the water, total kinetic energy is equal to 40 J, and it's his total mechanical energy.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?