Questions: A 2.80 kg mass is dropped from a height of 4.50 m. What is the potential energy of the mass when it reaches the ground? PE=[?] J

Solution Steps

The potential energy (\(PE\)) of an object at a height (\(h\)) is given by the formula: \[ PE = mgh \] where:

• \(m\) is the mass of the object,
• \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (\(9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\)),
• \(h\) is the height from which the object is dropped.

Given:

• \(m = 2.80 \, \text{kg}\),
• \(h = 4.50 \, \text{m}\),
• \(g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2\).

Substitute these values into the formula: \[ PE = 2.80 \times 9.8 \times 4.50 \]

Perform the multiplication: \[ PE = 2.80 \times 9.8 \times 4.50 = 123.48 \, \text{J} \]

Thus, the potential energy of the mass when it reaches the ground is \(123.48 \, \text{J}\).

Final Answer