The Amazing Cliff Diver: Calculating Mechanical Energy
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.