TPR AP Work, Energy, and Power Example 10 11788

A stuntwoman (mass = $60\ \mathrm{kg}$) scales a 40‑meter‑tall rock face.

What is her gravitational potential energy (relative to the ground)?

$U_{\mathrm{g}}=24,000\ \mathrm{J}$

Calling the ground $h=0$, we find

$$U_{\mathrm{g}}=mgh$$

$$U_{\mathrm{g}}=(60\ \mathrm{kg})\left(10\ \mathrm{\displaystyle \frac{m}{\ s^2}}\right)(40\ \mathrm{m})$$

$$U_{\mathrm{g}}=24,000\ \mathrm{J}$$