What is the change in the gravitational potential energy of the system of blocks and Earth when the 3.7-kg block has dropped 0.48 m ?

Physics · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

Given:

Mass = 3.7 kg

h = 0.48m

g = 9.8 m/s^2 (acceleration due to gravity)

Determine the gravitational potential energy.

Formula for the gravitational potential energy:

Pgrav = mgh

Unit of gravitational potential energy = Joules

Solution:

Substitute the values of mgh to the formula for the gravitational potential energy.

Pgrav = mgh

Pgrav = (3.7 kg)(0.48m)(9.8m/s^2)

Pgrave = 17.40 J

Final answer:

The gravitational potential energy is 17.40 J.