Question

A 54 kg person (about 120 lbs) is standing on a diving board that is 10 meters above the ground. What gravitational potential energy does this person have?

Answer 1

A 54 kg person standing 10 meters above the ground has a gravitational potential energy of 5292 Joules, calculated using the formula GPE =
`mgh`.

The gravitational potential energy (GPE) of a person standing on a diving board can be calculated using the formula
`\(GPE = mgh\),` where
`\(m\)` is the mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and
`\(h\)` is the height above the ground.

For a 54 kg person standing 10 meters above the ground, the calculation is as follows:

`\[ GPE = 54 \, \text{kg} * 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 * 10 \, \text{m} \]`

`\[ GPE = 5292 \, \text{Joules} \]`

This result indicates that the person possesses a gravitational potential energy of 5292 Joules while standing on the diving board. It signifies the energy associated with the person's position in the gravitational field, reflecting the potential for that energy to be converted into kinetic energy as the person descends. The calculation assumes standard Earth gravity and neglects factors like air resistance..