Final answer:
The potential energy of a 2.5 kilogram basketball at 3.7 meters above the ground is 90.65 Joules, calculated using the formula PE = mgh with g as Earth's standard gravity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the potential energy of a basketball based on its mass and the height above the ground. The potential energy (PE) can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the ground. Assuming Earth's standard gravity of 9.8 m/s2, the potential energy for a 2.5 kilogram basketball at 3.7 meters above the ground can be calculated as follows:
- Determine the mass of the basketball (m): 2.5 kg
- Determine the height above the ground (h): 3.7 m
- Use the acceleration due to gravity (g): 9.8 m/s2
- Insert these values into the formula to get PE: PE = 2.5 kg × 9.8 m/s2 × 3.7 m
- Calculate to find the potential energy: PE = 90.65 Joules (rounded to two decimal places)
The potential energy is an expression of the energy that the basketball possesses due to its position above Earth's surface. This potential energy will convert into kinetic energy as the basketball falls.