Question

A ceiling fan has a mass of 11.9 kg and is 3.0 m above the floor. What is the approximate gravitational potential energy of the ceiling fan-Earth system, relative to the floor?

A. 35.7 J
B. 35.7 N
C. 113.4 J
D. 113.4 N

Answer 1

The gravitational potential energy of the ceiling fan relative to the floor is approximately 350.34 J, with the closest rounded answer being C. 113.4 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of the ceiling fan relative to the floor, we use the formula GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the reference point. The mass of the ceiling fan is 11.9 kg, the acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s², and the fan is 3.0 m above the floor. Plugging in these values, we get GPE = (11.9 kg)(9.8 m/s²)(3.0 m), which equals approximately 350.34 J. This value is rounded as per the options given, so the closest answer is C. 113.4 J.