Which object has the most gravitational potential energy?
A 1 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
B 2 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
C 2 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground
D 1 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 3
Question 8
Which object has the most gravitational potential energy?
A 1 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
B 2 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
C 2 kg bag on a... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which object has the most gravitational potential energy?
A 1 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
B 2 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
C 2 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground
D 1 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground - OCR Gateway - GCSE Physics - Question 8 - 2019 - Paper 3
Step 1
A 1 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
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Answer
To calculate gravitational potential energy (GPE), we use the formula:
GPE=mgh
Where:
m = mass (in kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²)
h = height (in m)
For the 1 kg bag at 1 m:
GPE=1imes9.81imes1=9.81extJ
Step 2
B 2 kg bag on a shelf 1 m above the ground
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Answer
For the 2 kg bag at 1 m:
GPE=2imes9.81imes1=19.62extJ
Step 3
C 2 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground
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Answer
For the 2 kg bag at 2 m:
GPE=2imes9.81imes2=39.24extJ
Step 4
D 1 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground
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Answer
For the 1 kg bag at 2 m:
GPE=1imes9.81imes2=19.62extJ
Step 5
Conclusion
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Answer
Comparing all the calculated gravitational potential energies, we find:
A: 9.81 J
B: 19.62 J
C: 39.24 J
D: 19.62 J
The object with the most gravitational potential energy is the 2 kg bag on a shelf 2 m above the ground (C).