A wheel of mass 38 kg is lifted to a height of 0.8 m. How much gravitational potential energy is added to the wheel? (Use [tex]\( g = 9.8 \, m/s^2 \)[/tex].)

A. 30.4 J
B. 11,321 J
C. 3.1 J
D. 297.9 J



Answer :

To determine the gravitational potential energy added to a wheel with a given mass when it is lifted to a certain height, we use the formula for gravitational potential energy (GPE):

[tex]\[ \text{GPE} = mgh \][/tex]

where:
- [tex]\( m \)[/tex] is the mass of the object,
- [tex]\( g \)[/tex] is the acceleration due to gravity,
- [tex]\( h \)[/tex] is the height to which the object is lifted.

Given in the problem:
[tex]\[ m = 38 \, \text{kg} \][/tex]
[tex]\[ g = 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \][/tex]
[tex]\[ h = 0.8 \, \text{m} \][/tex]

Substitute these values into the formula:

[tex]\[ \text{GPE} = 38 \, \text{kg} \times 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \times 0.8 \, \text{m} \][/tex]

This calculation yields:

[tex]\[ \text{GPE} = 297.92 \, \text{J} \][/tex]

Therefore, the gravitational potential energy added to the wheel is approximately [tex]\( 297.9 \, \text{J} \)[/tex].

Looking at the provided multiple-choice options:
A. [tex]\( 30.4 \, \text{J} \)[/tex]
B. [tex]\( 11,321 \, \text{J} \)[/tex]
C. [tex]\( 3.1 \, \text{J} \)[/tex]
D. [tex]\( 297.9 \, \text{J} \)[/tex]

The closest and correct answer is:
D. [tex]\( 297.9 \, \text{J} \)[/tex]