Object of mass is placed on a balcony above the ground

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power

Problem

Object

P

of mass

2\,\text{kg}

is placed on a balcony

15\,\text{m}

above the ground. Object

Q

of mass

5\,\text{kg}

rests on a platform in a pit

5\,\text{m}

below the same ground level. Taking ground level as the zero–potential reference and

g = 9.8\,\text{m/s}^2

, the total gravitational potential energy of the system consisting of

P

and

Q

is (a)

-49\,\text{J}

(b)

539\,\text{J}

(c)

49\,\text{J}

(d)

50\,\text{J}