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AQA GCSE · Question 03.2 · Energy
When using the zip wire, the person moved through a vertical height of 2.0 m.
The person has a mass of 45 kg.
gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg.
Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the person.
Use the equation:
gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height
When using the zip wire, the person moved through a vertical height of 2.0 m.
The person has a mass of 45 kg.
gravitational field strength = 9.8 N/kg.
Calculate the change in gravitational potential energy of the person.
Use the equation:
gravitational potential energy = mass × gravitational field strength × height
How to approach this question
1. Write down the equation for gravitational potential energy (GPE).
2. Identify the values given in the question: mass (m) = 45 kg, gravitational field strength (g) = 9.8 N/kg, and height (h) = 2.0 m.
3. Substitute these values into the equation.
4. Calculate the result.
Full Answer
Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field. The change in GPE is calculated when an object moves vertically.
The equation is:
ΔGPE = m × g × Δh
Where:
- m = mass (45 kg)
- g = gravitational field strength (9.8 N/kg)
- Δh = change in vertical height (2.0 m)
Substituting the values:
ΔGPE = 45 × 9.8 × 2.0
ΔGPE = 441 × 2.0
ΔGPE = 882 J
Common mistakes
✗ Using the wrong values in the equation.
✗ Forgetting one of the terms (e.g., just calculating m × g).
✗ Calculation errors.
Practice the full AQA GCSE Physics Foundation Tier Paper 1
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