Physics

The work done by gravity is equal to the change in gravitational potential energy, but with the opposite sign (since potential energy decreases as the object falls). To solve this problem, we follow these steps:

Find initial gravitational potential energy:

The ball is initially at a height above the table.

The gravitational potential energy relative to the table (reference point) is .

Find final gravitational potential energy:

When the ball reaches the ground, it is at a height relative to the table (since it is below the table).

The gravitational potential energy relative to the table is .

Change in gravitational potential energy:

is given by

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