Energy Calculation Basics

This question asks us to find the energy an object possesses due to its position relative to the ground. This type of energy is known as gravitational potential energy.

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object based on its position or state. For an object near the Earth's surface, the gravitational potential energy ($PE$) is determined by its mass ($m$), the acceleration due to gravity ($g$), and its height ($h$) above a reference point (in this case, the ground).

Identifying Given Values

Let's list the information provided in the question:

• Mass of the object ($m$): $8$ kg
• Height above the ground ($h$): $7$ meters
• Acceleration due to gravity ($g$): $10$ $m/s^2$

Calculating Potential Energy

The formula to calculate gravitational potential energy is:

$PE = m \times g \times h$

Now, we substitute the given values into the formula:

• $m = 8$ kg
• $g = 10$ $m/s^2$
• $h = 7$ m

Performing the calculation:

$PE = 8 \, \text{kg} \times 10 \, m/s^2 \times 7 \, \text{m}$

First, multiply the mass by gravity:

$8 \times 10 = 80$

This intermediate value represents the object's weight in Newtons ($N$), since $1 \, N = 1 \, \text{kg} \cdot m/s^2$. So, the weight is $80 \, N$.

Next, multiply this result by the height:

$PE = 80 \times 7$

$PE = 560$

The unit for energy is Joules (J). Therefore, the potential energy possessed by the object is $560$ J.

Result Analysis

The calculated potential energy is $560$ J. Comparing this result with the given options, we find it matches one of them.