If y = 0 is at ground level, what is the gravitational potential energy of a 500 lb weight lifted 3 ft?

To determine the gravitational potential energy (PE) of an object lifted above ground level, you can use the formula:

[ PE = mgh ]

where:

• ( PE ) is the potential energy,

• ( m ) is the mass of the object (in pounds),

• ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity (typically ( 32.2 , \text{ft/s}^2 ) if using feet and pounds), and

• ( h ) is the height the object is lifted (in feet).

In this case, we are dealing with a weight of 500 lb lifted to a height of 3 ft. Although the weight is given in pounds, it is already a measure of force that accounts for gravity, so ( g ) is embedded in the weight.

Calculating the potential energy:

[ PE = \text{weight} \times \text{height} ]

[ PE = 500 , \text{lb} \times 3 , \text{ft} ]

[ PE = 1500 , \text{ft-lb} ]

Thus, the gravitational potential energy of the object is 1500 ft-lb, which can also