A coconut falls from a tree 12 m above the ground and hits a bystander 2 m tall on the - Science - Work and Energy

Question

A coconut falls from a tree 12 m above the ground and hits a
bystander 2 m tall on the top of his head It bounces back 1 5 m
before falling to the ground If the mass of coconut is 2 kg,
calculate the potential energy of the coconut relative to the
ground at each of the following sites:

(a) While it is still on the tree
(b) When it hits the bystander
(c) When it bounces upto its maximum height
(d) When it lands on the ground
(e) When it rolls into a pit and falls 2 5 m deep inside

Kiruthika · Accepted Answer

Dear student,

Potential energy =mgh

a)P E=2×9 8×12=235 2Jb)P E=2×9 8×2=39 2Jc)P
E=2×9 8×2+1 5=68 6Jd)P E=0Je)P E=2×9 8×-2
5=-49J

Regards