Gravitational Potential Energy of a tower

AI Thread Summary
To find the gravitational potential energy (E) of a man climbing to the fifth floor of a tower with floors 3.8 m apart, the formula E=mgh can be used, where 'm' is mass, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is height. If only height is provided, the mass can be treated as a variable that cancels out when comparing potential energy at different heights. For a height of 19 m (5 floors), the potential energy is proportional to the height climbed. The discussion highlights confusion over whether to provide a numerical answer or a ratio, with one participant noting that the book's answer may be incorrect. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that the mass is not necessary for calculating the ratio of potential energy at different heights.
paaraskohli
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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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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??
 
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:
dude i need da answer too :(
In da book the answer is wrong
 
What answer is that ?

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

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