Answer: The potential energy of the rock before it began to fall is 4900 J
Explanation:
Force is defined as the mass multiplied by the acceleration of the object.
\(F=mg\)
where,
F = force exerted on the object
m = mass of the object
g = acceleration due to gravity
Potential energy is defined as the energy possessed due to the height of the object.
Mathematically,
\(E_p=mgh\)
Or,
\(E_p=F\times h\)
where,
\(E_p\) = potential energy of the rock = ?
F = force applied on the rock = 98 N
h = height of the bridge from where the rock is thrown = 50 m
Putting values in above equation, we get:
\(E_p=98N\times 50m\\\\E_p=4900J\)
Hence, the potential energy of the rock before it began to fall is 4900 J
