Final answer:
The potential energy of a 0.51 kg crate 3m above the ground is calculated using the formula PE = mgh. By substituting in the values (mass = 0.51 kg, gravity = 9.8 m/s², and height = 3 m), the potential energy is found to be approximately 15 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the gravitational potential energy (PE) of a 0.51 kg crate that is 3 m above the ground, we use the formula PE = mgh, where:
- m is the mass of the object in kilograms,
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth), and
- h is the height above the ground in meters.
For the crate:
- m = 0.51 kg,
- g = 9.8 m/s², and
- h = 3 m.
Plugging these values into the formula gives us:
PE = 0.51 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 3 m = 14.994 J,
which we can round to 15 J for simplicity.
Therefore, the 0.51 kg crate has a potential energy of approximately 15 J when it is 3 m above the ground.