Physics

Physics

Problem

A body possesses 1470 J1470\,\text{J} of gravitational potential energy when placed at a certain height. If its mass is 7 kg7\,\text{kg}, find the height at which it is kept. (Use g=10 m/s2g = 10\,\text{m/s}^2.) a) 15 m15\,\text{m} b) 30 m30\,\text{m} c) 21 m21\,\text{m} d) 10.5 m10.5\,\text{m}
Intuitive explanation

Gravitational potential energy is all about storing energy by lifting something against Earth's pull. The key insight is that PE=mghPE = mgh directly relates the energy stored to three quantities: mass, gravity, and height. Since you know the energy and mass, you can rearrange the formula to isolate height—it's just algebra once you set up the relationship correctly.

Intuitive explanation

Gravitational potential energy is all about storing energy by lifting something against Earth's pull. The key insight is that PE=mghPE = mgh directly relates the energy stored to three quantities: mass, gravity, and height. Since you know the energy and mass, you can rearrange the formula to isolate height—it's just algebra once you set up the relationship correctly.

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