Final answer:
The work done on a 300 N suitcase to lift it 0.5 meters is 150 joules. This work increases the suitcase's potential energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the work done on a 300 N suitcase when lifting it 0.5 meters, you can use the formula for work, which is work = force x distance. Since the force due to gravity on the suitcase acts directly upwards and the displacement is also directly upward (and since work is force times distance in the direction of the force), the total work done is equal to the weight of the suitcase multiplied by the height it is lifted. Therefore, the work done is 300 N x 0.5 m = 150 joules.
This situation demonstrates the conversion of mechanical work into potential energy. When the suitcase is lifted, its potential energy increases by an amount equal to the work done on it. Conversely, if the suitcase falls, it will lose that potential energy, converting it back into kinetic energy before it hits the ground.