When a 6-kg object increases its potential energy by 180 J, approximately how has its position changed?
A) It has risen vertically 3 m.
B) It has fallen vertically 3 m.
C) It has risen vertically 30 m.
D) It has moved horizontally 30 m.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The potential energy (PE) change in an object due to its position in a gravitational field is given by the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2 on the surface of the Earth), and h is the height in meters. Rearranging the formula to solve for h gives h = PE / (mg). Substituting the given values (PE = 180 J, m = 6 kg, g = 9.8 m/s^2) yields h ≈ 180 / (6*9.8) ≈ 3 meters. This indicates the object has risen vertically by approximately 3 meters.

When a 6-Kg Object Increases Its Potential Energy by 180