Question

A 2.0 kg mass is lifted 4.0 m above the ground. find the change in gravitational energy

Answer 1

78.4 J

Step-by-step explanation:

Given:

Mass of the object (m) = 2.0 kg

Height or displacement of the mass (h) = 4.0 m

Now, change in gravitational potential energy (ΔU) = ?

Change in gravitational potential energy of an object is the energy stored by the object when it is raised to some height above the reference ground level.

Change in gravitational potential energy of an object of mass 'm' raised to a height 'h' above the ground is given as:

`\Delta U=mgh`

Where, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity and has a value of 9.8 m/s².

Now, plug in all the given values and solve for ΔU. This gives,

`\Delta U=(2.0\ kg)(9.8\ m/s^2)(4.0\ m)\\\\\Delta U=78.4\ J`

Therefore, the change in gravitational potential energy is 78.4 J.