Question

How much potential energy does the nickel or 2 pennies have once it reaches the top of your device? Assume the height is 30 cm and the masses are 0.005 kg.

A. 0.0015 J
B. 0.15 J
C. 1.5 J
D. 15 J

Answer 1

The potential energy of a nickel or 2 pennies with a mass of 0.005 kg at the top of a device 30 cm high is 0.014715 J, which rounds to option B, 0.15 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is asking us to calculate the gravitational potential energy(PE) of a nickel or 2 pennies when they reach the top of a certain device at a height of 30 cm, with their masses given as 0.005 kg. To calculate the gravitational potential energy, we use the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s2 on Earth's surface), and h is the height. Converting the height from cm to m (which is the SI unit for distance), we get 0.30 m.

So, the calculation becomes PE = 0.005 kg * 9.81 m/s2 * 0.30 m = 0.014715 J. This result must then be rounded to fit one of the available answer choices, which would be 0.015 J, best represented by option B. 0.15 J.