energy - A ski lift raises a 72 kg skier to the top of a hill. If the skier’s potential energy relative to the bottom of the hill is 920 kJ, then what is the height of the Hill?

Grigori (last edited 5 months ago) (Student, UG2 Grade)

The potential energy is the energy accumulated in an object by its location.

PE = mgh where, m - mass, g - acceleration due to gravity and h - height

Step 1: Measure the height of the object

Given that

Mass of the skier m=72\ kg

Acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2

Potential energy PE = 920 KJ = 920 * 10^3 joules

PE = mgh

h = \frac{PE}{mg}

h=\frac{920*10^3}{72*9.8}=\frac{920*10^3}{705.6}

h=1.3*10^3

Hence, height of the hill, h=1.3*10^3 m