Calculating Gravitational Potential Energy of a Hanging Ball

In summary, the conversation discusses the calculation of gravitational potential energy for a ball attached to a ceiling by a string, given its mass, the height of the room, and the acceleration of gravity. The equation used is PE = mgh, where h is the vertical distance from a chosen reference point. By choosing the ceiling as the reference point, the gravitational potential energy relative to the ceiling, floor, and a point at the same elevation as the ball can be calculated. The key is to pay attention to the sign of the answer.
  • #1
gansta344u
25
0

Homework Statement


A 2.35 kg ball is attached to a ceiling by a
1.92 m long string. The height of the room is
5.92 m .
The acceleration of gravity is 9.8 m/s2 .
What is the gravitational potential energy
associated with the ball relative to the ceiling?
Answer in units of J

What is its gravitational potential energy rel-
ative to the floor? Answer in units of J.

What is its gravitational potential energy rel-
ative to a point at the same elevation as the
ball? Answer in units of J.

Homework Equations


PE=mgh

The Attempt at a Solution


I TRIED TO USE THE EQUATION BUT WHEN I PUT IT IN IT WAS WRONG MAYBE I AM CALCULATING WRONG PLEASE HELP MAYBE IF U CAN PROVIDE A MODIFIED EQUATION OR EVEN A SIMPLE ONE THAT WOULD HELP A LOT!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
gansta344u said:

Homework Equations


PE=mgh
Perhaps if you thought of the equation as PE = mgy, where y is the vertical position with respect to your reference point, you may understand it better.

For example, if you choose the ceiling as your reference, that means that y = 0 at the ceiling. What's the y value of the ball in that case?
 
  • #3
Hint: Pay attention to the sign of your answer.
 
  • #4
thanks a lot it helped a lot especially the last part, it worked.
 

FAQ: Calculating Gravitational Potential Energy of a Hanging Ball

What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It is the energy that is required to move an object from its current position to a reference point, typically infinity, without any acceleration from external forces.

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

The formula for gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object above the reference point. This formula assumes a constant gravitational field and neglects any other potential energy contributions.

What factors affect gravitational potential energy?

The factors that affect gravitational potential energy are the mass of the object, the strength of the gravitational field, and the distance between the object and the reference point. As these values change, the gravitational potential energy will also change.

How does gravitational potential energy relate to kinetic energy?

According to the law of conservation of energy, gravitational potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy and vice versa. As an object falls, its gravitational potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. At the bottom of the fall, all of the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

What is the significance of gravitational potential energy in everyday life?

Gravitational potential energy plays a significant role in many everyday activities, such as lifting objects, riding a roller coaster, or throwing a ball. It also plays a crucial role in understanding the behavior of celestial bodies, such as planets and stars, in the universe.

Similar threads

Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient
Replies
1
Views
1K
Potential energy of ball thrown upwards
Replies
5
Views
13K
Gravitational potential energy traveling from earth to mars
Replies
7
Views
2K
Gravitational Potential Energy on an Incline
Replies
1
Views
1K
How Is Potential Energy Converted to Kinetic Energy in Physical Systems?
Replies
6
Views
778
Understanding the Bungee Jumper Problem: Energy Transformation and Calculations
2
Replies
44
Views
4K
Calculate this Spring's Potential Energy
Replies
28
Views
2K
Catapult spring, Kinetic and Potential energy
Replies
10
Views
2K
Gravitational Potential Energy questions near the surface of a planet
Replies
8
Views
2K
Minimizing the Energy of Two Conductors Very Far Apart
Replies
23
Views
971

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top