Is the Fracture Energy Equation for Ice Valid?

[lewisd18]

Homework Statement

i have been told i can use the equation potential energy/cross sectional area to work out fracture energy of ice after dropping weights on it till it breaks. is this true?

Homework Equations

fracture energy = potential energy/cross sectional area

The Attempt at a Solution

as above

 

[Cilabitaon]

It seems rational: as the units you would be given are $$Jm^{-2}$$ which would imply the energy per unit area.