What is the gravitational potential energy of a # 9 kg# object on a shelf # 4 m # high?

1 Answer
Jun 3, 2016

gravitational potential energy: #400J#

Explanation:

The gravitational potential energy of an object can be calculated with the formula:

#color(blue)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)color(black)(E_g=mgh)color(white)(a/a)|)))#

#ul("where")#:
#E_g=#gravitational potential energy
#m=#mass
#g=#acceleration due to gravity
#h=#height

To find the gravitational potential energy of the object, substitute your known values into the formula.

#E_g=mgh#

#E_g=(9kg)(9.81m/s^2)(4m)#

#E_g=353.16J#

Rounding off to one significant digit,

#E_g~~color(green)(|bar(ul(color(white)(a/a)400Jcolor(white)(a/a)|)))#