A bird is flying with a speed of 18 m/s over water when it accidentally drops a 2 kg fish. If the altitude of the bird is 5.4 m and friction is disregarded, what is the total mechanical energy of the fish? what is it please help ! :)
When the fish is first dropped, it has kinetic AND potential energy. When the fish smacks the ground it will have only kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy = 1/2 mv^2 Potential energy = m g h where m = mass v = velocity g =accel of gravity (9.8 m/s-s) and h= height
Does that help you get started?
