8 - Calculating PE

Front

What is the formula for calculating potential energy (PE)?

Back

The formula for calculating potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is mass (in kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is the height (in meters).

Front

What units are used to measure potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is measured in Joules (J).

Front

How does mass affect potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is directly proportional to mass; as mass increases, potential energy increases if height remains constant.

Front

How does height affect potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is directly proportional to height; as height increases, potential energy increases if mass remains constant.

Front

What is the value of gravitational acceleration (g) on Earth?

Back

The value of gravitational acceleration (g) on Earth is approximately 9.81 m/s².

Front

Calculate the potential energy of a 50 kg object at a height of 10 meters.

Back

PE = mgh = 50 kg * 9.81 m/s² * 10 m = 4905 Joules.

Front

If an object has a potential energy of 2000 Joules and is at a height of 5 meters, what is its mass?

Back

Using the formula PE = mgh, rearranging gives m = PE / (gh). Thus, m = 2000 J / (9.81 m/s² * 5 m) = approximately 40.8 kg.

Front

What is the potential energy of an object with a weight of 100 Newtons at a height of 15 meters?

Back

PE = weight * height = 100 N * 15 m = 1500 Joules.

Front

How do you convert weight (in Newtons) to mass (in kg)?

Back

To convert weight to mass, use the formula: mass = weight / g, where g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s²).

Front

What is the potential energy of a 20 kg object at a height of 0 meters?

Back

The potential energy is 0 Joules because height is 0.