Question

A 120-MT concrete beam is lifted from the floor by two tandem heavy lift cranes up to a target height of 7.5 meters.

Calculate the potential energy of the beam when resting at the floor

Answer 1

The potential energy of an object is given by the equation:

Potential Energy = mass * gravitational acceleration * height

Given:
Mass of the beam (m) = 120 MT = 120,000 kg (since 1 MT = 1000 kg)
Height (h) = 0 meters (since the beam is resting on the floor)
Gravitational acceleration (g) = 9.8 m/s^2

Potential Energy = 120,000 kg * 9.8 m/s^2 * 0 meters
Potential Energy = 0 Joules

Therefore, the potential energy of the beam when resting on the floor is 0 Joules.