College

What is the potential energy of a 25 kg bicycle resting at the top of a hill 3 m high?

(Formula: [tex]PE = mgh[/tex])

A. 75 J
B. 735 J
C. 245 J
D. 37.8 J

Answer :

Let's find the potential energy of the bicycle using the formula provided:

The formula for potential energy is:

[tex]\[ \text{Potential Energy} = m \cdot g \cdot h \][/tex]

Where:
- [tex]\( m \)[/tex] is the mass of the bicycle (in kilograms),
- [tex]\( g \)[/tex] is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately [tex]\( 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \)[/tex]),
- [tex]\( h \)[/tex] is the height of the hill (in meters).

Given:
- The mass of the bicycle ([tex]\( m \)[/tex]) is 25 kg,
- The height of the hill ([tex]\( h \)[/tex]) is 3 m.

Substitute the known values into the formula:

[tex]\[ \text{Potential Energy} = 25 \, \text{kg} \cdot 9.8 \, \text{m/s}^2 \cdot 3 \, \text{m} \][/tex]

Calculate the potential energy:

[tex]\[ \text{Potential Energy} = 735 \, \text{Joules} \][/tex]

Thus, the potential energy of the bicycle at the top of the hill is 735 Joules. Therefore, the correct answer from the options provided is [tex]\( \text{735 J} \)[/tex].