JEE Main 2022 · 29 June · evening · Single correct · +4 / −1

In the given figure, the block of mass m is dropped from the point 'A'. The expression for kinetic energy of block when it reaches point 'B' is

JEE Main PYQ figure
  1. (a) 1/2mg y₀²
  2. (b) 1/2mg y²
  3. (c) mg(y - y₀)
  4. (d) mgy₀
Answer and solution

Answer (d) mgy₀

Solution

Physics sir · 3 steps

Kinetic energy gained equals potential energy lost, and the block falls only y₀ from A to B.

  1. Read the figure. Point A is at height y above the ground. Point B is y₀ below A, so B is at height y - y₀. The block starts from rest at A, so its kinetic energy at A is zero.
  2. Energy conservation. Only gravity does work, so the loss in potential energy from A to B becomes kinetic energy at B.

    K_B = mg y - mg (y - y₀) = mg y₀

  3. So. The kinetic energy at B is mg y₀, which is option (d).

The idea to keep. Kinetic energy after a fall depends only on the height actually fallen, not on where you put the zero of potential energy. Always measure the drop between the two points.

Answer from the NTA final answer key. Solution by PrepWiser.

Study Work, Energy & Power

Asked about 100 times in JEE Main since 2020. This question is from 2022.