Question

A 24 kg rock is resting on the floor. How much potential energy dose it have?

Answer 1

The 24 kg rock resting on the floor has 0 Joules of potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy of an object is given by the equation 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 rock has a mass of 24 kg, so its potential energy can be calculated as:

PE = (24 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(0 m) = 0 J

Therefore, the rock has 0 Joules of potential energy since it is resting on the floor.

Answer 2

Potential energy =

(mass) x (gravity) x (height above the reference level) .

-- Relative to the floor, the rock's potential energy is

(24 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (0) = zero .

-- Relative to the basement floor, 3 meters below, its potential energy is

(24 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (3 m) = 706 joules (rounded) .

-- Relative to the roof, 6 meters above, its potential energy is

(24 kg) x (9.8 m/s²) x (-6 m) = negative 1,411 joules (rounded)