Which of the following has the greatest gravitational potential energy?
a 20-Metric Ton Container lifted at 5 meters
a 25-kg projectile at 5,200 meter altitude
a 300-kg helicopter at 1.5-km altitude moving at 60km per hour
an 35-Metric Ton train cruising on a 4.73-meter overpass moving at 40km per hour
None enough data to create a conclusion
None enough data to create a conclusion
To determine which object has the greatest gravitational potential energy, we can use the equation:
Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = mass * acceleration due to gravity * height
Let's calculate the GPE for each object:
1. 20-Metric Ton Container lifted at 5 meters:
Mass = 20,000 kg
Height = 5 meters
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
GPE = 20,000 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 5 meters = 980,000 J
2. 25-kg projectile at 5,200 meter altitude:
Mass = 25 kg
Height = 5,200 meters
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
GPE = 25 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 5,200 meters = 1,274,000 J
3. 300-kg helicopter at 1.5-km altitude moving at 60 km/h:
Mass = 300 kg
Height = 1,500 meters
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
GPE = 300 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 1,500 meters = 4,410,000 J
4. 35-Metric Ton train cruising on a 4.73-meter overpass moving at 40 km/h:
Mass = 35,000 kg
Height = 4.73 meters
Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s²
GPE = 35,000 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 4.73 meters = 1,618,860 J
Comparing the calculated values, we can see that the helicopter at 1.5-km altitude moving at 60 km/h has the greatest gravitational potential energy of 4,410,000 J.