Final answer:
The gravitational potential energy of a 0.5 kg netball held 2.2 m above ground level (1.7 m player height plus 0.5 m arm extension) is calculated to be 10.78 joules using the gravitational potential energy formula.
Step-by-step explanation:
The subject of the question is Physics, specifically relating to the concept of gravitational potential energy in the context of a sports scenario. To calculate the gravitational potential energy of a netball when the player is about to shoot it, we use the formula:
Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE) = mass (m) × gravitational field strength (g) × height (h)
In this case, the ball's mass is 0.5 kg, the gravitational field strength (assuming Earth's gravity) is approximately 9.8 m/s2, and the height at which the player is holding the ball above her head is the sum of her height (1.7 m) and the additional 0.5 m, giving us a total height of 2.2 m.
Plugging these values into the formula:
GPE = 0.5 kg × 9.8 m/s2 × 2.2 m = 10.78 J (joules)
Therefore, the gravitational potential energy of the ball when the player is about to shoot is 10.78 joules.