It doesn't matter where the zero of PE is when you are talking about differences in PE, as you are here.
difference in PE = M g (H2 - H1)
= 52* 9.81 * 17.7 = __ J
A 52 kg skier is at the top of a slope, as in the
figure. At the initial point A, the skier is 17.7
m vertically above the final point B.
The acceleration of gravity is 9.81 m/s2 .
Find the difference in gravitational po-
tential energy associated with the skier at the
points A and B if the zero level for gravita-
tional potential energy is at point B.
Answer in units of J.
1 answer