A 50.0 kg shell is fired from a cannon on Earth's surface to a maximum height of 400 m. It then falls to a height of 100 m. What is the loss of potential energy as it falls?

150,000 Joules.

Explanation:

Given that a 50.0 kg shell is fired from a cannon on Earth's surface to a maximum height of 400 m. It then falls to a height of 100 m. What is the loss of potential energy as it falls?

From Potential energy formula,

P.D = mgh

Assuming g = 10m/s^2

P.D = 50 × 10 × 400

P.D = 200000 Joules

Then it fell on 100m

The potential energy will be

P.D = 50 × 10 × 100

P.D = 50000 Joules

The lost Potential energy will be:

Lost P.D = 200000 - 50000

Lost P.D = 150000 Joules

Therefore, the loss of potential energy as it falls will be 150,000 Joules.