To calculate the change in potential energy when moving from 6 meters to 4 meters, you need to consider the formula for potential energy:
Potential Energy = mass × gravitational acceleration × height
However, since the mass of the object is not given in the question, we can simplify the calculation by assuming a mass of 1 kilogram.
1. Determine the change in height:
The change in height is the difference between the initial height (6 meters) and the final height (4 meters):
Change in height = 6 meters - 4 meters = 2 meters
2. Calculate the potential energy at the initial height:
Potential Energy at 6 meters = mass × gravitational acceleration × height
Since we assumed a mass of 1 kilogram, we can use the value for gravitational acceleration, which is approximately 9.8 m/s^2:
Potential Energy at 6 meters = 1 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 × 6 meters = 58.8 joules
3. Calculate the potential energy at the final height:
Potential Energy at 4 meters = mass × gravitational acceleration × height
Using the same assumptions:
Potential Energy at 4 meters = 1 kg × 9.8 m/s^2 × 4 meters = 39.2 joules
4. Determine the change in potential energy:
Change in Potential Energy = Potential Energy at 4 meters - Potential Energy at 6 meters
Change in Potential Energy = 39.2 joules - 58.8 joules = -19.6 joules
Therefore, moving down from 6 meters to 4 meters represents a change in potential energy of -19.6 joules. The negative sign indicates a decrease in potential energy as the object moves closer to the ground.