Potential Energy Examples

Example 1:

Let us consider a potential energy practice problem : An object of mass 30 kgs is placed on a hill top of height 80m. What is the potential energy possessed by the object?

Solution:

We can calculate the potential energy of the object using the given formula

Substituting the values in the formula,

PE = m x g x h      = 30 x 9.8 x 80      = 23520 J

Note: We know that the acceleration due to gravity is constant and is always equal to 9.8 m/s²

Therefore, the potential energy of the object is 23520 J.

Example 2:

Refer the below potential energy sample problem and calculate mass based on the potential energy, height and gravity. A fruit hangs from a tree and is about to fall to the ground of 10 meters height. It has a potential energy of 22.5 J. Calculate the mass of the fruit

Solution:

Substitute the values using the given formula, M = PE / (g x h)      = 22.5 / (9.8 x 10)      = 0.229 kg

Therefore, the value of Mass is 0.229 kg

Example 3:

Refer the below example of potential energy and learn how to calculate height from PE and mass.

Let us consider a potential energy worked example problem: 5 kg weighing cat climbing at the top of the tree has a potential energy of 1176 kg. Find the height of the tree?

Solution:

Substitute the values using the given formula, H = PE / (m x g)      = 1176 / (9.8 x 5)      = 24 cm

Therefore, the height of the tree is 24 cm