A 3.1 kg ball is thrown straight upward with a speed of 18.2 m/s. Use conservation of energy to calculate the maximum height the ball can reach.

h = 16.9 m

Explanation:

When a ball is thrown upward, its velocity gradually decreases, until it stops for a moment, when it reaches the maximum height, while its height increases. Thus, the law conservation of energy states in this case, that:

Kinetic Energy Lost by Ball = Potential Energy Gained by Ball

(0.5)m(Vf² - Vi²) = mgh

h = (0.5)(Vf² - Vi²)/g

where,

Vf = Final Speed of Ball = 0 m/s (Since, ball stops for a moment at highest point)

Vi = Initial Speed of Ball = 18.2 m/s

g = acceleration due to gravity = - 9.8 m/s² ( negative for upward motion)

h = maximum height the ball can reach = ?

Therefore, using values in the equation, we get:

h = (0.5)[(0 m/s)² - (18.2 m/s)²]/(-9.8 m/s²)

h = 16.9 m

not too sure thinking all accelerations are pointed down