Question

How much gravitational potential energy (relative to the ground on which it is built) is stored in the Great Pyramid of Cheops, given that its mass is about 7 × 10⁹ , {kg}and its center of mass is 36.5 , {m}above the surrounding ground?

A. {PE} = 2.52 × 10¹² , {J}
B. {PE} = 2.92 × 10¹² , {J}
C. {PE} = 3.32 × 10¹² , {J}
D. {PE} = 3.72 × 10¹² , {J}

Answer 1

The gravitational potential energy stored in the Great Pyramid of Cheops is 2.52 × 10¹² J.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gravitational potential energy stored in the Great Pyramid of Cheops can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the center of mass relative to the ground.

In this case, the mass of the pyramid is 7 × 10⁹ kg and the height is 36.5 m.

Plugging in these values, we get:

PE = (7 × 10⁹ kg) × (9.8 m/s²) × (36.5 m)

= 2.52 × 10¹² J

Therefore, the gravitational potential energy stored in the Great Pyramid of Cheops is 2.52 × 10¹² J.