Question

A weightlifter lifts a set of 1250kg weights a vertical distance of 2m weight lifting contest. what potential energy do the weights now possess

Answer 1

Answer: The potential energy of the weights is 24,500 J

Explanation:

For an object of mass M, that is at a distance H from the ground, the potential energy can be written as:

U = M*H*g

where g is the gravitational acceleration g = 9.8m/s^2

In this case, we have that:

mass of the weights = 1,250 kg

height = 2m

Then the potential energy of the weights is:

U = 2m*1,250kg*9.8m/s^2 = 24,500 J