What is the change in the gravitational potential energy of a Boeing 767 jet as it soars from the runway up to a cruising altitude of 10.2 km? Assume its mass is a constant 2.04×105 kg.
in joules?
To calculate the change in gravitational potential energy, we need to use the formula:
ΔPE = mgh
Where:
ΔPE is the change in gravitational potential energy
m is the mass of the object (Boeing 767 jet in this case)
g is the acceleration due to gravity
h is the change in height (altitude in this case)
First, let's find the value of g, which is the acceleration due to gravity. It is approximately 9.8 m/s² on the surface of the Earth.
Next, we need to calculate the change in height. The jet goes from the runway to a cruising altitude of 10.2 km. To find the change in height, we subtract the initial height (runway altitude) from the final height (cruising altitude). The runway altitude is assumed to be 0 m, as it is the reference point.
Change in height (h) = 10.2 km - 0 km = 10.2 km = 10,200 m
Now we have all the values we need to calculate the change in gravitational potential energy:
ΔPE = (2.04×105 kg) * (9.8 m/s²) * (10,200 m)
Calculating this expression will give us the change in gravitational potential energy of the Boeing 767 jet as it soars from the runway up to a cruising altitude of 10.2 km.