Complete question: A mass of 0.400 kg is raised by a vertical distance of 0.450 m in the earth's gravitational field. What is the change in its gravitational potential energy?
Answer:
1.764 J
Explanation:
Gravitational Potential Energy: This ca be defined as the energy possessed by a body due to its position in the gravitational field. The S.I unit is J.
The expression for change in Gravitational potential energy is
ΔEp = mgΔh........................... Equation 1
Assuming the ground level = 0 m
Where ΔEp = change in Gravitational potential energy, m = mass , g = acceleration due to gravity, h = change in height.
Given: m = 0.40 kg, Δh = 0.450 m, g = 9.8 m/s²
Substitute into equation 1
ΔEp = 0.4(0.45)(9.8)
ΔEp = 1.764 J
Hence the change in gravitational potential energy = 1.764 J