Question

Find the potential energy of the bowling ball from the exercise above that is sitting on a shelf 2 meters high. Remember that g = 9.8m/s. Write equation, substitute values and units into equation, and show final answer.

Answer 1

The potential energy of a bowling ball sitting on a shelf 2 meters high with a mass of 7.3 kg is calculated using the formula PE = mgh. Substituting the values into the equation gives PE = (7.3 kg) x (9.8 m/s^2) x (2 m), resulting in a potential energy of 142.76 Joules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy (PE) of an object due to its height can be calculated using the equation PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object above the reference point. In the case of a bowling ball sitting on a shelf 2 meters high, first, we identify that the mass (m) of the ball and acceleration due to gravity (g) are given in the question. Assuming that the bowling ball has a mass of 7.3 kg (from earlier context) and using g = 9.8 m/s2, we substitute the values into the equation:

PE = mgh

PE = (7.3 kg) × (9.8 m/s2) × (2 m)

PE = 142.76 kg·m2/s2 or Joules (J)

The potential energy of the bowling ball is 142.76 J.