PROBLEM-10 GRAVITATIONAL POTINTIAL ENERGY In a typical professional downhill ski race, athletes start 820 m above where they cross the finish line. Assume that they start at rest, friction is negligible, and their mass is 80 kg. What is the magnitude of the change in gravitational potential energy of the Earth-athlete system over the course of the race? (in J )

The magnitude of the change in gravitational potential energy of the earth-athlete system over the course of the race is 643,536Joules

Explanation

Potential energy is one of the form of mechanical energy and it is defined as the energy possessed by a body due to virtue of its position. When the body is under gravity, it possesses an energy called the gravitational potential energy.

Gravitational potential energy is expressed as shown:

GPE = mass × acceleration due to gravity × height

Given mass of athlete = 80kg

height covered = 820m

acceleration due to gravity = 9.81m/s

GPE = 80×9.81×820

GPE = 643,536Joules