11-01-2009, 02:18 PM
I was doing my Physics homework without my school notes, and then I stumbled on a problem involving potential energy.
The equation for potential energy, as I have found out, is PE = mgh where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s^2) and h is the height of the object in question.
The problem, however, does not give me the mass of the object:
"What is the potential energy of a 250 N [Newton] bike that is on top of a 5 meter ramp?"
So Newtons are measures of force... But only one of the variables is given: h, or the height.
I suspect that there is an alternative equation for potential energy, which is likely because I don't have my notes. A Google search has only yielded the formula I already have.
Any thoughts? Thank you.
The equation for potential energy, as I have found out, is PE = mgh where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the gravitational acceleration (9.8 m/s^2) and h is the height of the object in question.
The problem, however, does not give me the mass of the object:
"What is the potential energy of a 250 N [Newton] bike that is on top of a 5 meter ramp?"
So Newtons are measures of force... But only one of the variables is given: h, or the height.
I suspect that there is an alternative equation for potential energy, which is likely because I don't have my notes. A Google search has only yielded the formula I already have.
Any thoughts? Thank you.
I have been studying the traits and dispositions of the "lower animals" (so called) and contrasting them with the traits and dispositions of man. I find the result humiliating to me.
--Mark Twain
--Mark Twain