what is the potential energy and why42. Calculate the work done in lifting a 100-N block of ice a vertical distance of 5 m. Gravitational potential energy  mas

Question

 Calculate the work done in lifting a 100-N block of ice a
vertical distance of 5 m.
Gravitational potential energy  mass : acceleration
due to gravity : height; PE  mgh

Answer 1

Hi Richard;

work=(force)(distance)

work=(mass)(acceleration)(height)

You are presenting the value of 100 in terms of Newtons.  This is the unit of force, not mass.  I will proceed assuming this is 100 Newtons, not 100 kg...

work=(100 N)(5 m)

work=500 joules

The unit of joules is Newtons-meters

The unit of joules is kg m²/s²

The unit of Newtons is kg m/s²

Potential energy is (mass)(acceleration due to gravity)(height).  This is a nearly identical equation as above.  I need more information before I can proceed.