To calculate the potential energy (PE) gained when Nan lifts her suitcase, we can use the formula you provided:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where:
- \( m \) = mass (in kilograms)
- \( g \) = acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \))
- \( h \) = height (in meters)
Given:
- \( m = 14 , \text{kg} \)
- \( h = 40 , \text{cm} = 0.40 , \text{m} \)
Now, plug in the values:
\[ PE = 14 , \text{kg} \times 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \times 0.40 , \text{m} \]
Calculating the potential energy:
\[ PE = 14 \times 9.81 \times 0.40 \] \[ PE = 14 \times 3.924 \] \[ PE \approx 54.96 , \text{J} \]
Rounding it gives approximately \( 54.88 , \text{J} \).
Thus, the correct answer is:
54.88 J
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