Question

The gravitational potential energy of an object of mass 5 kg at a height of 10 m above the surface of the Earth is:

• A. \( 490 \, \text{J} \)
• B. \( 500 \, \text{J} \)
• C. \( 450 \, \text{J} \)
• D. \( 550 \, \text{J} \)

Hint:

Gravitational potential energy depends on the mass of the object, the height above the Earth's surface, and the acceleration due to gravity. Always use the standard value of \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) unless otherwise specified.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The gravitational potential energy \( U \) is calculated using the formula \( U = mgh \). Given \( m = 5 \, \text{kg} \), \( g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \), and \( h = 10 \, \text{m} \), the substitution yields \( U = 5 \times 9.8 \times 10 \), resulting in \( U = 490 \, \text{J} \). Therefore, the object's gravitational potential energy is \( 490 \, \text{J} \).