Potential Energy

​The “free fall rate” refers to the acceleration of an object falling freely under the influence of gravity. This is approximately 9.8 meters per second squared. This means that an object in free fall will increase its speed by 9.8 meters per second every second.

Is this what we observe in real life?

Why or why not?

​​What will fall faster in a vacuum?

Bowling Ball

Feathers

What is a vacuum?

​A feather falls as fast as a bowling ball in a vacuum because the acceleration due to gravity is the same for all objects, regardless of their mass, and a vacuum eliminates the opposing force of air resistance. Without air resistance, gravity is the only force acting on the objects, causing them to accelerate at the same rate and thus fall at the same speed

​Common Units for Potential Energy Formula

​Sample Problem 1

​A peregrine falcon has a mass of about 0.9 kg. What is the potential energy of a peregrine falcon soaring 200 m above Earth's surface?

Gravity = 9.8 m/s²

​Sample Problem 2

What is the potential energy of a 90 kg skydiver in a plane 500 m above Earth's surface?

Watch this video to see how to solve this question

Gravity = 9.8 m/s²

​Sample Problem 3

Mr. Rottet accidentally leaves his 2 kg ham sandwich sitting on a ledge that’s 10 meters high. Before it falls, what is the sandwich’s potential energy?

Gravity = 9.8 m/s²

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