Question

a book (m = 2 kg) is raised to a height of 1.5 m above the ground. Calculate the gravitational potential energy of the book.

Answer 1

`\boxed {\boxed {\sf 29.4 \ Joules }}`

Step-by-step explanation:

Gravitational potential energy can be found using the following formula.

`PE_g= m*g*h`

When m is the mass, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height.

The book has a mass of 2 kilograms. It's height is 1.5 meters above the ground. Assuming this is on Earth, the gravitational acceleration is 9.8 m/s².

`m= 2 \ kg \\h= 1.5 \ m \\g= 9.8 \ m/s^2`

Substitute the values into the formula.

`PE_g=2 \ kg * 1.5 \ m * 9.8 \ m/s^2`

Multiply the first two numbers together.

`PE_g=(3.0 \ kg*m)( 9.8 \ m/s^2)`

Multiply again.

`PE_g=29.4 \ kg*m^2/s^2`

• 1 kilogram square meter per square second is equal to 1 Joule
• The answer we calculated is equal to 29.4 J

`PE_g= 29.4 \ J`

The gravitational potential energy of the book is 29.4 Joules.