Nan’s suitcase has a mass of 14 kilograms. How much potential energy does it gain when she lifts it onto a bench that is 40 centimeters tall?

PE=mgh
(1 point)
Responses

24.2 J
24.2 J

5.6 J
5.6 J

54.88 J
54.88 J

5,488 J

1 answer

To calculate the potential energy (PE) gained by lifting the suitcase onto the bench, we use the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass (14 kg), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²), and h is the height (40 cm, or 0.4 m).

PE = 14 kg * 9.8 m/s² * 0.4 m
PE = 56.32 J

Therefore, the potential energy gained by lifting the suitcase onto the bench is approximately 56.32 J.