While riding a chairlift, a 55-kilogram skier is raised a vertical distance of 370 meters. What is the total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy?
The total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula:
Change in gravitational potential energy = mass × gravity × height
The mass of the skier is given as 55 kilograms, and the height (or vertical distance) is 370 meters. The value of gravity can be taken as 9.8 m/s².
Thus, the total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy is:
Change in gravitational potential energy = 55 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 370 m
= 202,610 joules