Multiple Choice
Which state of matter has the least potential energy among gases, liquids, and solids?
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8. Thermochemistry
Kinetic & Potential Energy
Multiple Choice
A radioactive particle weighing 7.20 x 103 ng is found 110 m above the earth's surface. What is its potential energy?
A
7.8 x 10-6 J
B
7.2 x 10-9 J
C
7.9 x 10-9 J
D
7.2 x 10-6 J
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the formula for gravitational potential energy, which is given by \(PE = m \times g \times h\), where \(m\) is the mass of the object, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above the reference point.
Convert the mass from nanograms (ng) to kilograms (kg) because the standard unit of mass in the SI system is kilograms. Recall that \(1\ \text{ng} = 1 \times 10^{-12}\ \text{kg}\), so multiply the given mass by \(10^{-12}\) to convert.
Use the standard value for acceleration due to gravity, \(g = 9.8\ \text{m/s}^2\), unless otherwise specified.
Substitute the converted mass, the acceleration due to gravity, and the height (110 m) into the potential energy formula: \(PE = m \times g \times h\).
Calculate the product to find the potential energy in joules (J). This will give you the potential energy of the radioactive particle at 110 m above the Earth's surface.
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