Question

How much gravitational potential energy (in J) (relative to the ground on which it is built) is stored in an Egyptian pyramid, given its mass is about 4 ✕ 109 kg and its center of mass is 19.0 m above the surrounding ground?

Answer 1

Answer:

Gravitational potential energy, $P=7.44\times 10^{11}\ J$

Explanation:

Mass of an Egyptian pyramid, $m=4\times 10^9\ kg$

It is placed 19 m above the surrounding ground, h = 19 m

We need to find the gravitational potential energy store in the pyramid. This energy is possessed by an object due to its position. It is given by :

$P=mgh$

$P=4\times 10^9\times 9.8\times 19$  

$P=7.44\times 10^{11}\ J$

So, the gravitational potential energy store in the pyramid is $7.44\times 10^{11}\ J$. Hence, this is the required solution.