Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It is calculated using the formula GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height above a reference point. In this context, the pole vaulter's change in height directly affects her GPE.
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Mass
Mass is a measure of the amount of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms (kg). It is a scalar quantity and does not change regardless of the object's location in the universe. In the given question, the mass of the pole vaulter (58 kg) is essential for calculating the change in gravitational potential energy as she rises during her jump.
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Height Change
Height change refers to the difference in vertical position of an object, which is crucial in determining the change in gravitational potential energy. In this scenario, the pole vaulter's center of mass rises by 4.0 m, which is the height (h) used in the GPE formula. This change in height directly influences the amount of energy gained or lost during the jump.
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