Question

which object has the most gravitational potential energy?
a. a 15 kg computer at a height of 0.5 m
b. a 10 kg computer at a height of 0.8 m
c. a 15 kg computer at a height of 0.8 m
d. a 10 kg computer at a height of 0.5 m

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational - potential - energy formula

The formula for gravitational potential energy is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is the mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity ($g\approx9.8\ m/s^{2}$), and $h$ is the height. Since $g$ is a constant, we can compare the products of $m$ and $h$ for each option.

Step2: Calculate $m\times h$ for option A

For option A, $m = 15\ kg$ and $h = 0.5\ m$, so $m\times h=15\times0.5 = 7.5\ kg\cdot m$.

Step3: Calculate $m\times h$ for option B

For option B, $m = 10\ kg$ and $h = 0.8\ m$, so $m\times h=10\times0.8 = 8\ kg\cdot m$.

Step4: Calculate $m\times h$ for option C

For option C, $m = 15\ kg$ and $h = 0.8\ m$, so $m\times h=15\times0.8 = 12\ kg\cdot m$.

Step5: Calculate $m\times h$ for option D

For option D, $m = 10\ kg$ and $h = 0.5\ m$, so $m\times h=10\times0.5 = 5\ kg\cdot m$.

Answer:

C. A 15 kg computer at a height of 0.8 m