Gravitational Potential Energy of a box

In summary, the question asks for the gravitational potential energy of a 18.5 kg box sliding up a 5.6 m long ramp at an angle of 33 degrees with the floor. The equation for gravitational potential energy is Egp = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height. Using trigonometry, the height can be easily calculated.
  • #1
kylepetten
25
0

Homework Statement



a 18.5 kg box is slid up a 5.6 m long ramp that makes an angle of 33 degrees with the floor. What is the gravitational potential energy of the box relative to the floor?

m = 18.5 kg
d = 5.6 m
http://musr.physics.ubc.ca/~jess/symbols/Theta.gif = 33°
PEg = ?

Homework Equations



Eg = mgh

I think. haha

The Attempt at a Solution



I have absolutely no idea. I am hoping someone on here could get me started with this question, not give me the answer, but just get me started. Thanks.
 
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  • #2
You are right about [tex]E_{gp}=mgh[/tex]. Height [tex]h[/tex] is the only problem and it can easily be obtained by using trigonometry.
 
  • #3
N-Gin said:
You are right about [tex]E_{gp}=mgh[/tex]. Height [tex]h[/tex] is the only problem and it can easily be obtained by using trigonometry.

Ahh, silly me! Thank you very much! Have a nice day :)
 

1. 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 amount of work needed to move an object from its current position to a reference position, typically at an infinite distance away.

2. How is gravitational potential energy calculated for a box?

The gravitational potential energy of a box is calculated by multiplying the mass of the box by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) and the height of the box above a reference point. The equation is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.

3. What is the reference point for gravitational potential energy of a box?

The reference point for gravitational potential energy of a box is typically the ground or a surface that the box is resting on. This reference point is chosen because it is easy to measure the height of the box from this point.

4. How does the height of the box affect its gravitational potential energy?

The higher the box is above the reference point, the greater its gravitational potential energy. This is because the higher the box is, the more work is required to move it to the reference point. Conversely, if the box is closer to the reference point, its gravitational potential energy will be lower.

5. Can gravitational potential energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, gravitational potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy. When the box is released from a height, its gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it falls. This energy can also be converted into other forms, such as sound or heat, upon impact with the ground.

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