volume_mute

What is the potential energy with reference to the table?

publish date2023/07/03 05:08:00 GMT+10

volume_mute

Suppose that a 5-kg object rests on a table.  You lift it up to the ceiling, which is 2 meters above the table.  What is its potential energy with reference to the table?

PE = joules

Correct Answer

(1) 98

Explanation

Remember that 5 kg is the mass of the object and that we must find its weight since its weight is equal to the force we have to exert to lift it.  newton's second law states that

Fma

or in this case:

Weight = mg (where g is the acceleration of gravity)

Weight = 5 kg • (9.8 m/s2)

Weight = 49 newtons, since 1 kg (m/s2) is a newton

PE = weight • height

PE = 98 joules (or newton • meters)

Reference

Basic Physics: A Self-Teaching Guide


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