Question

A 39.4 kg rock is on the edge of a 198.1 m cliff. The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s². What potential energy does the rock possess relative to the base of the cliff? Answer in units of J.

A. 77,428.92 J
B. 77.43 J
C. 193.62 J
D. 771,293.4 J

Answer 1

The potential energy of the rock relative to the base of the cliff is 77,428.92 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the potential energy of the rock, we can use the formula:

Potential Energy = mass * acceleration due to gravity * height

In this case, the mass of the rock is 39.4 kg, the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 m/s², and the height of the cliff is 198.1 m. Plugging those values into the formula, we get:

Potential Energy = 39.4 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 198.1 m = 77,428.92 J

Therefore, the potential energy of the rock relative to the base of the cliff is 77,428.92 J.