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  • Calculating Weight from Kinetic Energy and Height: A Physics Problem
    Here's how to solve this problem:

    1. Understand the Concepts

    * Kinetic Energy (KE): The energy an object possesses due to its motion. KE = (1/2)mv² where m is mass and v is velocity.

    * Potential Energy (PE): The energy an object possesses due to its position relative to a reference point. PE = mgh where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is height.

    * Conservation of Energy: In the absence of external forces, the total mechanical energy (KE + PE) of a system remains constant.

    2. Apply Conservation of Energy

    Since the rock falls from a height, its initial energy is all potential energy (PE). When it hits the ground, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy (KE). Therefore:

    * Initial PE = Final KE

    3. Solve for the Mass

    * Initial PE: mgh = m * 9.8 m/s² * 10 m = 98m J

    * Final KE: 33000 J

    * Set them equal: 98m J = 33000 J

    * Solve for mass (m): m = 33000 J / 98 m/s² ≈ 336.7 kg

    4. Calculate Weight

    * Weight = mass * gravity

    * Weight = 336.7 kg * 9.8 m/s² ≈ 3300 N

    Therefore, the weight of the rock is approximately 3300 N.

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