Question

What is the potential energy of a 2 kg bowling ball resting at the top of a 5 m high hill? Show all of your work and include the correct units to receive full credit.​

Answer 1

Answer:

$\boxed {\boxed {\sf 98 \ J}}$

Explanation:

We are asked to find the potential energy of a bowling ball.

Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position. It is calculated using the following formula.

$E_p= mgh$

In this formula, m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.

The bowling ball has a mass of 2 kilograms. The hill is 5 meters high. Assuming this situation is occurring on Earth, the acceleration due to gravity is 9.8 meters per second squared.

• m= 2 kg
• g= 9.8 m/s²
• h= 5 m

Substitute the values into the formula.

$E_p= (2 \ kg )(9.8 \ m/s^2)(5 \ m)$

Multiply the numbers together.

$E_p=19.6 \ kg*m/s^2(5 \ m)$

$E_p=98 \ kg*m^2/s^2$

Convert the units. 1 kilogram meter squared per second squared is equal to 1 Joule. Our answer of 98 kg*m²/s² is equal to 98 Joules.

$E_p= 98 \ J$

The bowling ball has 98 Joules of potential energy.