Question

How would you calculate the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of a 2 kg bottle of soda falling off a kitchen table that is 0.76 m tall?

a) (2 X 0.76 X 9.8)

b) (2 X 0.76) / (9.8)

c) (2 X 0.76 X 9.8)

d) (12 X 0.76)

Answer 1

The correct way to calculate the gravitational potential energy (GPE) for the bottle of soda is using the formula G.P.E. = mgh, and in this case, it is option a (2 kg X 0.76 m X 9.8 m/s²), which equals 14.896 Joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

To calculate the gravitational potential energy (GPE) of a 2 kg bottle of soda falling off a 0.76 m tall kitchen table, you would use the formula G.P.E. = mgh, where m is the mass in kg, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is the height in meters. Plugging in the values:

G.P.E. = (2 kg) × (9.8 m/s²) × (0.76 m)

This would give us:

G.P.E. = 14.896 J (Joules)

Therefore, the correct calculation and answer to the student's question is option a, which correctly applies this formula.