calculate the change in GPE when a 5kg shotput is dropped 6m to the ground.
Wouldn't it just be zero? I'm a little bit confused as to how to get the answer...
GPE = Gravitational Potential Energy
It decreases as the elevation decreases. The change in GPE = (mass)(elevation change)(acceleration of gravity)
In your case that equals 5 x 9.8 x 6 Joules
thanks!
To calculate the change in gravitational potential energy (GPE) when an object is dropped, you need to know the mass (m) of the object, the acceleration due to gravity (g), and the height (h) it is dropped from.
In this case, the given information is:
Mass (m) = 5 kg
Height (h) = 6 m
The formula for calculating the change in GPE is:
Change in GPE = m * g * h
Where:
m is the mass of the object in kilograms
g is the acceleration due to gravity, approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth
h is the height in meters
Plugging in the values from the problem, we have:
Change in GPE = 5 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 6 m
Calculating this will give you the change in GPE for the shotput when it is dropped from a height of 6 meters.
Change in GPE = 294 J
Therefore, the change in GPE for the 5 kg shotput when dropped 6 meters is 294 Joules (J).