Final answer:
The potential energy of a 0.005 kg coin dropped from a height of 3 m, right before it hits the ground, can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh. The calculated potential energy is 0.147 joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the potential energy of the coin right before it hits the ground, we need to use the formula for gravitational potential energy, which is PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height from which the object falls.
In this scenario:
Mass (m) of the coin = 0.005 kg
Acceleration due to gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²
Height (h) from which the coin is dropped = 3 m
Substituting these values into the formula, we get:
PE = (0.005 kg) × (9.8 m/s²) × (3 m)
PE = 0.147 J
Therefore, the potential energy of the coin right before it hits the ground is 0.147 joules.