What is the potential energy of a 3kg ball that is on the ground?

2 Answers
Apr 10, 2018

Zero

Explanation:

It really has to do with the reference point of where the ball is and where the ground is.

Taking what we have here we can use the equation
#PE=mgh#
And plug in the numbers for mass gravity and the height
#PE=(3.0)(9.81)(0m)#
The zero height means that the ball has no potential energy.

Apr 11, 2018

No potential energy or #0# joules.

Explanation:

Potential energy is given by the equation,

#"PE"=mgh#

  • #m# is the mass of the ball in kilograms

  • #g# is the gravitational acceleration, which is #9.8 \ "m/s"^2#

  • #h# is the height of the platform the ball is standing on

So, here, #h=0#, and so, we get:

#"PE"=m*g*0#

#=0#

In conclusion, the ball has no potential energy.