If one were adhering to the rules of significant figures, your 175 W (175.103048... on my calculator) would round up to 180 W.songoku said:
Maybe it is a typo, the answer is written 80 W.jbriggs444 said:
The rate of loss of potential energy refers to how quickly potential energy is being converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy or thermal energy, over time. It is often associated with systems where energy is being transferred due to forces such as gravity or friction.
The rate of loss of potential energy can be calculated using the formula: Power (P) = dU/dt, where dU is the change in potential energy and dt is the change in time. Power is the rate at which energy is being converted and is usually measured in watts (W).
The rate of loss of potential energy is affected by factors such as the mass of the object, the height from which it is falling, the gravitational constant, and any resistive forces like air resistance or friction. For example, a heavier object or a higher drop height will generally result in a greater rate of loss of potential energy due to gravity.
In an idealized system with no resistive forces, such as air resistance or friction, the rate of loss of potential energy can be constant. However, in real-world scenarios, resistive forces usually cause the rate to vary over time. For instance, air resistance increases with velocity, which can alter the rate at which potential energy is lost.
Practical examples include a pendulum losing potential energy as it swings downwards, a roller coaster descending a hill, or water flowing down a waterfall. In each case, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and possibly other forms of energy, with the rate of this conversion being the rate of loss of potential energy.