Gravitational Potential Energy of a tower

In summary, the conversation discusses how to find the gravitational potential energy when only the height is given and the mass is not provided. The formula E=mgh is mentioned, along with an example involving a man climbing an office tower. It is suggested to find the ratio of potential energy on the ground and at a given height to solve for the energy at that height. However, there is confusion over the use of the formula and the correct answer.
  • #1
paaraskohli
4
0
E=mgh

how to find the gravitational potential energy if the mass is not given
only height is given

E.G
A man decides to cimb an office tower. If the floors are 3.8 m apart, how much gravitational potential energy would the man have relative to the ground floor if he made it to 5th floor??
 
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  • #2
how to find the gravitational potential energy if the mass is not given
only height is given

E.G
A man decides to cimb an office tower. If the floors are 3.8 m apart, how much gravitational potential energy would the man have relative to the ground floor if he made it to 5th floor??
 
  • #3
You only need to find the ratio of the PE on the ground and five floors up. The mass cancels out.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #4
dude i need da answer too :(
In da book the answer is wrong
 
  • #5
What answer is that ?

Use the formula you give in your first title, and calculate E for d and d+(extra height).
 
Last edited:
  • #6
41 Joule
 
  • #7
That's not a ratio, so my reading of the question is wrong. Sorry, can't help you.
 

1. What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. It is the amount of energy that is required to move the object from its current position to another position against the force of gravity.

2. How is gravitational potential energy of a tower calculated?

The gravitational potential energy of a tower is calculated by multiplying the mass of the tower by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) and the height of the tower above the ground.

3. How does the height of a tower affect its gravitational potential energy?

The higher the tower, the greater its gravitational potential energy. This is because as the height increases, the distance the object needs to be moved against the force of gravity also increases, thus requiring more energy.

4. Can the gravitational potential energy of a tower be negative?

Yes, the gravitational potential energy of a tower can be negative if the tower is below ground level. In this case, the object would need to be moved downwards to reach ground level, resulting in a negative value for the gravitational potential energy.

5. How is the gravitational potential energy of a tower related to its mass?

The gravitational potential energy of a tower is directly proportional to its mass. This means that as the mass of the tower increases, its gravitational potential energy also increases. However, the height of the tower also plays a significant role in determining its gravitational potential energy.

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