Final answer:
The potential energy of the book can be determined using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the book, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the book above a reference point. Using this formula, the potential energy of the book on each shelf is calculated as 5.0 J, 7.4 J, and 9.8 J for the shelves at heights 1.0 m, 1.5 m, and 2.0 m, respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The potential energy of an object is given by the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the object above a reference point. In this case, the book has a weight of 5.0 N, which is equal to its mass multiplied by the acceleration due to gravity. So the mass of the book is 5.0 N / 9.8 m/s² = 0.51 kg. Using this information, we can calculate the potential energy of the book at each shelf:
- For the shelf with a height of 1.0 m, the potential energy is PE = (0.51 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(1.0 m) = 5.0 J;
- For the shelf with a height of 1.5 m, the potential energy is PE = (0.51 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(1.5 m) = 7.4 J;
- For the shelf with a height of 2.0 m, the potential energy is PE = (0.51 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(2.0 m) = 9.8 J.