Using energy considerations and assuming negligible air resistance, show that a rock thrown from a bridge 20.0 m above water with an initial speed of 15.0 m/s strikes the water with a speed of 24.8 m/s independent of the direction thrown. (Hint: show that $$K_i + U_i = K_f + U_f)$$

Explanation:

Given that,

Height of the bridge is 20m

Initial before he throws the rock

The height is hi = 20 m

Then, final height hitting the water

hf = 0 m

Initial speed the rock is throw

Vi = 15m/s

The final speed at which the rock hits the water

Vf = 24.8 m/s

Using conservation of energy given by the question hint

Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf

Where

Ki is initial kinetic energy

Ui is initial potential energy

Kf is final kinetic energy

Uf is final potential energy

Then,

Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf

Where

Ei = Ki + Ui

Where Ei is initial energy

Ei = ½mVi² + m•g•hi

Ei = ½m × 15² + m × 9.8 × 20

Ei = 112.5m + 196m

Ei = 308.5m J

Now,

Ef = Kf + Uf

Ef = ½mVf² + m•g•hf

Ef = ½m × 24.8² + m × 9.8 × 0

Ef = 307.52m + 0

Ef = 307.52m J

Since Ef ≈ Ei, then the rock thrown from the tip of a bridge is independent of the direction of throw

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