Suppose you push a 50 kg box 10 m up a frictionless incline that has a 10% grade. What is the change in potential energy for the box?
A) 500 J
B) 5000 J
C) 250 J
D) 2500 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The change in potential energy (ΔPE) can be calculated using the formula ΔPE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height change. A 10% grade means the height change (h) is 10% of the horizontal distance, which is 10m * 10% = 1m. Thus, ΔPE = 50kg * 9.8m/s^2 * 1m = 490J, which rounds to 500J, making option A correct.

Suppose You Push a 50 Kg Box 10 M Up