Question

If a 0.20 kg apple fell 7.0 m before hitting the ground, what was its change in potential energy during the fall?

Option 1: 0.0 J
Option 2: 1.4 J
Option 3: 9.8 J
Option 4: 13.86 J

Answer 1

The change in potential energy of a 0.20 kg apple falling from a height of 7.0 m is calculated using the formula PE = m * g * h, resulting in 13.86 J.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine the change in potential energy of the apple during its fall, we can use the formula for gravitational potential energy, which is PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height from which the object falls.

Given that the mass of the apple is 0.20 kg and it fell from a height of 7.0 m, the change in potential energy is calculated as follows: PE = 0.20 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 7.0 m, which equals 13.86 J. Therefore, the correct answer is Option 4: 13.86 J.