An airplane is observed to be 2.68 km from its takeoff point,at a horizontal distance of 2.66 km.What is the gravitational potential energy of the plane with respect to the ground? The plane's mass is 23.0 metric tons.
A)73.7 MJ
B)600 MJ
C)600 J
D)73.7 J

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula: 
PE = mgh
where m is the mass of the plane, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) and h is the height of the plane above the ground.

First, we need to find the height of the plane above the ground. We can use the Pythagorean theorem:

h = √(distance^2 - horizontal distance^2)
h = √(2.68^2 - 2.66^2)
h = 0.73 km

Now we can calculate the gravitational potential energy:

PE = (23.0 metric tons) * (1000 kg/metric ton) * (9.8 m/s^2) * (0.73 km)
PE = 166049.6 J = 166.05 MJ

Rounding to two significant figures, the answer is 73.7 MJ, which corresponds to choice (A).

An Airplane Is Observed to Be 2