(Weight) x (distance it falls)
185 x 0.8 = ___ Joules
185 x 0.8 = ___ Joules
Potential Energy = mass × gravity × height
In this case, we don't have the mass of the box directly, but we do have the weight (which is the force due to gravity on an object). The weight is given as 185N.
To find the mass of the box, we need to use the formula:
Weight = mass × gravity
Here, gravity is the acceleration due to gravity, which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2. Rearranging the formula, we can solve for the mass:
mass = Weight / gravity
mass = 185N / 9.8 m/s^2
Now that we have the mass of the box, we can calculate the potential energy when the box is lifted:
Potential Energy = mass × gravity × height
Potential Energy = mass × 9.8 m/s^2 × 0.8m
Now, when the student drops the box, all the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Therefore, the gravitational force acting on the box when it falls 0.8m is equal to the potential energy when the box is lifted.
Hence, the gravitational force on the box when it falls 0.8m is:
Force = Potential Energy = mass × 9.8 m/s^2 × 0.8m
Hope this helps!