A 65 kg diver jumps off a 10 m platform. Calculate how much gravitational potential energy the diver has at the top of the platform:

Calculate how much gravitational potential energy the diver has halfway down:

1. 6.37 KJ

2. 3.185 KJ

Explanation:

Gravitational potential energy is a form of potential energy with respect to the force of gravity.

Gravitational potential energy = mass x acceleration due to gravity x height

i.e   PE = m x g x h

1. At the top of the platform; mass = 65 kg, acceleration due to gravity = 10 m/, and height = 10 m.

Gravitational potential energy = 65 x 9.8 x 10

                                                  = 6370 Joules

The gravitational potential of the diver at the top of the platform is 6.37 KJ.

2. Halfway down; mass = 65 kg, acceleration due to gravity = 10 m/, and height = 5 m.

Gravitational potential energy = 65 x 9.8 x 5

                                                  = 3185 Joules

The gravitational potential energy of the diver halfway down is 3.185 KJ.