Final answer:
The potential energy of the cat is 80 J.
Step-by-step explanation:
Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position or condition. In this case, the cat is lifted 2 meters above the ground, so its potential energy is given by the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height. The cat weighs 40 newtons, which is equivalent to its weight. Since weight is the force of gravity acting on an object, we can find the mass by dividing the weight by the acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, m = 40 N / 9.8 m/s^2 = 4.08 kg. Plugging in these values, the potential energy of the cat is PE = (4.08 kg) * (9.8 m/s^2) * (2 m) = 79.98 J, which is rounded to 80 J. Therefore, the answer is A. 80 J.
The potential energy (PE) of an object near the Earth's surface can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height.
In this scenario, the cat is lifted 2 meters above the ground, and its weight is 40 newtons. Weight is the force due to gravity acting on an object, and it's given by the formula W = mg, where W is the weight, m is the mass, and g is the acceleration due to gravity.
Since weight (W) is given as 40 N, we can find the mass (m) by rearranging the formula: m = W/g. Substituting the values, m = 40 N / 9.8 m/s² ≈ 4.08 kg.
Now, we can calculate the potential energy using PE = mgh. PE = (4.08 kg) * (9.8 m/s²) * (2 m) ≈ 80 J.
Therefore, the correct answer is A. 80 J.