Final answer:
The increase in gravitational potential energy of a 400g book lifted onto a 1.2m high shelf is calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, resulting in an increase of 4.704 joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the increase in gravitational potential energy when lifting a book, we can use the formula Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = mgh, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 N/kg on Earth), and h is the height in meters.
For a book with a mass of 400 g (which is 0.4 kg when converted to kilograms), lifted to a height of 1.2 m, the increase in gravitational potential energy can be determined as follows:
- m (mass) = 0.4 kg
- g (acceleration due to gravity) = 9.8 N/kg
- h (height) = 1.2 m
Now, apply these values to the GPE formula:
GPE = 0.4 kg × 9.8 N/kg × 1.2 m = 4.704 J
Thus, the increase in the gravitational potential energy of the book is 4.704 joules.