A 1500 kg wrecking ball hangs from a 16-m-long cable. The ball is pulled back until the cable makes an angle of 24.0 ∘ with the vertical. By how much has the gravitational potential energy of the ball changed?

55.03 kJ

Explanation:

m = 1500 kg

L = 16 m

θ = 24 degree

the height level is changed by ΔL = L - L Cosθ

So, the change in potential energy, ΔU = m x g x ΔL

ΔU = 1500 x 9.8 x 16 x (1 - Cos 40)

ΔU = 55026.35 J = 55.03 kJ