Calculating GPE II

Front

What is Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE)?

Back

Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Front

What is the formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

The formula for calculating Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity in m/s², and h is the height in meters.

Front

How does mass affect Gravitational Potential Energy?

Back

The greater the mass of an object, the greater its Gravitational Potential Energy at a given height, since GPE is directly proportional to mass.

Front

What is the role of height in determining GPE?

Back

Height is directly proportional to Gravitational Potential Energy; as the height increases, the GPE increases, assuming mass and gravity remain constant.

Front

What is the standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth?

Back

The standard acceleration due to gravity on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s².

Front

If a 64 kg person is at an elevation of 5334 m, what is their GPE?

Back

GPE = mgh = 64 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 5334 m = 3,345,484.8 J.

Front

How do you find the height if you know the GPE and mass?

Back

Rearrange the GPE formula: h = GPE / (mg). For example, if GPE = 1970 J and m = 82 kg, then h = 1970 J / (82 kg * 9.8 m/s²) = 2.5 m.

Front

What is the GPE of an 85 kg climber at the summit of a 6267 m volcano?

Back

GPE = mgh = 85 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 6267 m = 5,220,411 J.

Front

How can you calculate the acceleration due to gravity on another planet?

Back

You can calculate the acceleration due to gravity (g) using the formula g = GPE / (mh), where GPE is the gravitational potential energy, m is mass, and h is height.

Front

What is the GPE of a 65 kg astronaut on a 45 m tall cliff if GPE = 11,115 J?

Back

To find g, use the formula: g = GPE / (mh) = 11,115 J / (65 kg * 45 m) = 3.8 m/s².