Question

How much gravitational potential energy (in J) (relative to the ground on which it is built) is stored in an Egyptian pyramid, given its mass is about 4 ✕ 109 kg and its center of mass is 19.0 m above the surrounding ground?

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy,
`P=7.44* 10^(11)\ J`

Step-by-step explanation:

Mass of an Egyptian pyramid,
`m=4* 10^9\ kg`

It is placed 19 m above the surrounding ground, h = 19 m

We need to find the gravitational potential energy store in the pyramid. This energy is possessed by an object due to its position. It is given by :

`P=mgh`

`P=4* 10^9* 9.8* 19`

`P=7.44* 10^(11)\ J`

So, the gravitational potential energy store in the pyramid is
`7.44* 10^(11)\ J`. Hence, this is the required solution.