Question

A body of mass 10 kg is at a height of 5 m above the surface of the Earth. What is the gravitational potential energy of the body? (Take \( g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \))

• A. 50 J
• B. 500 J
• C. 100 J
• D. 250 J

Hint:

Remember: The gravitational potential energy is \( U = mgh \), where \( m \) is the mass, \( g \) is the gravitational acceleration, and \( h \) is the height.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Given: Mass of the body, \( m = 10 \, \text{kg} \)
Height, \( h = 5 \, \text{m} \) \item Gravitational acceleration, \( g = 10 \, \text{m/s}^2 \) 

Step 1: Formula for Gravitational Potential Energy The gravitational potential energy \( U \) is given by: \[ U = mgh \] where: - \( m \) is the mass, - \( g \) is the gravitational acceleration, - \( h \) is the height. 

Step 2: Substitute the given values Substitute the given values into the formula: \[ U = (10 \, \text{kg})(10 \, \text{m/s}^2)(5 \, \text{m}) \] \[ U = 500 \, \text{J} \] 

Answer: The correct answer is option (b): 500 J.