Answer:
A) 3.579J
B) - 110.36J
C) - 7.38N
Explanation:
A) Gravitational Potential Energy = mgh
Where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity and h=height.
Now in this question, height of well is taken to be in area of zero gravitational potential energy, thus
sign is positive.
Gravitational potential energy = mgh = 0.25 x 9.81 x 1.5 = 3.579J
b) In this question, the height is now below the area of zero gravitational potential energy and so h changes to -h.
Thus, sign is negative
Gravitational Potential Energy = mgh = 0.25 x 9.81 x (-4.5) = - 110.36J
c) Again, Gravitational Potential Energy = mgh
But here, since we are looking for change in gravitational potential energy, h = - h1 - h2
Thus,
Gravitational Potential Energy = mg(-h1-h2) = 0.25 x 9.81 x (-1.5-4.5) = - 7.38N