Abird is flying with a speed of 18.0 m/s over water when it accidentally drops a 2.00 kg fish. if the altitude of the bird is 5.40 m and friction is disregarded, what is the mechanical energy of the system, and what is the speed of the fish when it hits the water?

(a) The mechanical energy of the system is 429.84 J.

(b) The speed of the fish when it hits the water is 20.73 m/s.

Given data:

The speed of flying bird is, v = 18.0 m/s.

The mass of fish is, m = 2.00 kg.

The altitude of bird is, h = 5.40 m.

(a)

Since the fish is carried by the bird initially. So, considering them as a part of single system. The mechanical energy (ME) of system is given as,

Thus, the mechanical energy of the system is 429.84 J.

(b)

When the fish is dropped to water at ground, then entire mechanical energy is converted into the kinetic energy (or potential energy becomes zero). So,

mechanical energy = kinetic energy

Here, v is the speed of fish, with which it hits the water.

Solving as,

Thus, the speed of the fish when it hits the water is 20.73 m/s.

Learn more about the mechanical energy of system here:

link

1 - wave length

2 - amplitude

3 - crest

4 - trough

explanation:

duh.

a.) travels faster in solids because the particles are closer together.

air is a gas water is a liquid