Question

Calculate the potential energy of a 20-kg sled at 40 meters

Answer 1

Answer: 7840N

Explanation:

Given that

Potential energy = ?

Mass of sled = 20-kg

Distance = 40 meters

Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8m/s^2

Recall that potential energy is the energy possessed by a body at rest

i.e potential energy = mass m x acceleration due to gravity g x distance h

P.E = mgh

P.E = 20kg x 9.8m/s^2 x 40m

P.E = 7840N

Thus, the potential energy of the sled is 7840N

Answer 2

The above answer is correct however gravitational potential energy is measured in joules. So the final answer would be 7840 J (joules) not newton’s.