Question

An 85-kg hiker climbs to the summit of Mount Mitchell in western North Carolina. During one 2.0-h period, the climber's vertical elevation increases 540 m. Determine the change in gravitational potential energy of the climber-Earth system.

Answer 1

Answer:

The change in gravitational potential energy of the climber-Earth system,$\Delta E=4.49\times 10^5\ J$

Explanation:

Given that,

Mass of the hiker, m = 85 kg

Time, t = 2 h

Vertical elevation of the climber, h = 540 m

We need to find the change in gravitational potential energy of the climber-Earth system. We know that due to change in position of an object, gravitational potential energy occurs. It is given by :

$\Delta E=mgh\\\\\Delta E=85\times 9.8\times 540\\\\\Delta E=4.49\times 10^5\ J$

So, the change in gravitational potential energy of the climber-Earth system is $4.49\times 10^5\ J$. Hence, this is the required solution.