Question

Consider a system of a cliff diver and the Earth. The gravitational potential energy of the system decreases by 25,000 J as the diver drops to the water from a height of 44.0 m. Determine her weight in newtons.

Answer 1

568.18 N

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question,

The formula for gravitational potential is given as

Ep = mgh........................ Equation 1

Where Ep = Gravitational potential, m = mass of the diver,h = Height.

But,

W = mg.................... Equation 2

Where W = weight of the diver.

Substitute equation 2 into equation 1

Ep = Wh

Make W the subject of the equation

W = Ep/h................... Equation 3

Given: Ep = 25000 J, h = 44 m

Substitute into equation 3

W = 25000/44

W = 568.18 N.

Hence the weight of the diver = 568.18 N