Question

a watermelon stored on a high shelf has a gpe of 197.55 j at a height of 4.5 m. what is the mass of the watermelon?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy (GPE)

The formula for GPE is \(GPE = mgh\), where \(m\) is the mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (\(g = 9.8\ m/s^{2}\)), and \(h\) is the height.
We need to solve for \(m\), so we can rearrange the formula to \(m=\frac{GPE}{gh}\).

Step2: Substitute the given values into the formula

Given \(GPE = 197.55\ J\), \(h = 4.5\ m\), and \(g = 9.8\ m/s^{2}\).
Substitute these values into \(m=\frac{GPE}{gh}\):
\(m=\frac{197.55}{9.8\times4.5}\)
First, calculate \(9.8\times4.5 = 44.1\).
Then, \(m=\frac{197.55}{44.1}\)
\(m = 4.5\ kg\)

Answer:

The mass of the watermelon is \(4.5\ kg\).