Question

(Double points) On September 24, 2011, 26 pieces of a satellite were predicted to fall to the earth's surface.The satellite pieces were orbiting the earth from a height of 50 miles. If one piece had a mass of 213 kg and another a mass of 59 kg, which one would have the greater potential energy?

Answer 1

the piece of 213kg will have more potential energy

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy U is calculated by:

mgh = U

where m is the mass of the object, g the aceleration of gravity and h the altitude of the object.

Therefore, if we have the same altitude and the same gravity but more mass, we will have more potential energy. So, the piece of 213kg will have more potential energy.