Question

A 7 kilogram cat is resting on top of a bookshelf that is 1 meters high. What is the cat’s gravitational potential energy relative to the floor ?

Answer 1

The equation of motion that is suitable for this situation is:
Potential energy = MgH, Where:
M = mass = 7
g = gravitational acceleration = 9.8 m/s
H = height = 1
Potential energy = mgh = 7 * 9.8 * 1 = 68.6.
Therefore, the gravitational potential energy relative to the floor is approximately 69 J.