Question

an elevator with a mass of 500 kg is stuck 8.5 m above the ground floor. what is the gpe relative to the ground?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the formula

The formula for gravitational potential energy (GPE) is \(GPE = mgh\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is acceleration due to gravity (\(g = 9.8\space m/s^{2}\)), and \(h\) is height.

Step2: Substitute the values

Given \(m = 500\space kg\), \(h=8.5\space m\), and \(g = 9.8\space m/s^{2}\).
Substitute into the formula: \(GPE=500\times9.8\times8.5\).
First calculate \(500\times9.8 = 4900\).
Then \(4900\times8.5=41650\).

Answer:

\(41650\space J\)