While riding a chairlift, a 55-kilogram skier is raised a vertical distance of 370 meters. What is the total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy?

Answer 1

The total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy can be calculated using the formula:

Change in gravitational potential energy = mass × gravity × height

The mass of the skier is given as 55 kilograms, and the height (or vertical distance) is 370 meters. The value of gravity can be taken as 9.8 m/s².

Thus, the total change in the skier's gravitational potential energy is:

Change in gravitational potential energy = 55 kg × 9.8 m/s² × 370 m
= 202,610 joules