Potential energy as a form of mass?

In summary, the conversation involved calculating the potential energy of a 5kg mass at a height of 3m and converting it to eV. The resulting mass was found to be 10.2e3 kg, indicating a discrepancy in the calculation. The concept of total contribution to energy versus rest energy of a small test mass was also discussed.
  • #1
Vitani11
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Homework Statement


Let's say we have a mass of 5kg at a height of 3 m so it's potential energy is mgh = 147J/1.6e-19 = 9.19 e20 eV. Now we know that E = mc^2... so when finding the mass of this potential energy we get 10.2e3 kg. What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution

 
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  • #2
Vitani11 said:
mgh = 147J/1.6e-19 = 9.19 e20 eV
Something went wrong with the units here.
Vitani11 said:
Now we know that E = mc^2... so when finding the mass of this potential energy we get 10.2e3 kg
And again here.

If you fix the calculation, you'll get a result of something like 3.000000000000001 kg (didn't count the zeros). It means total contribution to energy of the overall system (Earth+mass) is not the same as the rest energy of the small test mass.
 
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FAQ: Potential energy as a form of mass?

1. What is potential energy as a form of mass?

Potential energy as a form of mass refers to the energy that an object possesses due to its position or configuration in a gravitational or electric field. It is a type of energy that is stored and can be converted into other forms of energy.

2. How is potential energy related to mass?

According to the equation E=mc^2, potential energy is directly related to mass. This means that the more massive an object is, the more potential energy it has. The potential energy of an object also depends on its distance from the source of the field and the strength of the field.

3. What are some examples of potential energy as a form of mass?

Some common examples of potential energy as a form of mass include a book on a shelf, a pendulum at its highest point, a roller coaster at the top of a hill, and a stretched spring. These objects have potential energy because of their position in a gravitational or electric field.

4. How is potential energy converted into other forms of energy?

Potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy through various processes such as falling, rolling, stretching, or compressing. For example, when a book falls from a shelf, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it moves towards the ground. Similarly, when a stretched spring is released, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it returns to its original state.

5. Can potential energy as a form of mass be negative?

Yes, potential energy can be negative. This usually occurs when an object is placed in a position where it has less potential energy than its reference point. For example, if a book is placed below its reference point, it will have negative potential energy. This negative potential energy is then converted into kinetic energy as the book falls towards its reference point.

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