What Type of Energy Does a Blackboard Eraser Have?

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SUMMARY

A blackboard eraser held three feet above the ground possesses gravitational potential energy, not kinetic energy. The potential energy (P.E) is calculated using the formula P.E = mgh, where 'm' is the mass of the eraser, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is the height above the ground. Since the eraser is stationary in this scenario, it does not have kinetic energy, which is defined by the formula K.E = 1/2mv^2 and requires motion.

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Homework Statement



What type of energy does a blackboard eraser have when I hold it steady three feet about the ground?

a. potential energy
b. kinetic energy
c. electrical energy
d. spring elastic energy

Homework Equations



none.

The Attempt at a Solution



I think it is kinetic energy. But I am confused on the differences of types of energies.
 
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Why do you think it has kinetic energy?
 
Potential Energy (Gravitational potential energy)
It does not have Kinetic energy because it is not in motion in your frame. (K.E = 1/2mv^2)

It does have Potential energy since you have done work (put energy into the system) in lifting the eraser up. That energy is stored as potential energy P.E = mgh ready to be released as kinetic as soon as you let the eraser go.
 

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