Calculate the mass of an object given the gravitational potential energy, the gravitational acceleration, and the object's height above ground.

Example question:

An object has a gravitational potential energy of 280 J after being lifted a height of 16 m on planet Earth. What is the mass of the object?

Given:

gravitational potential energy: Ug = 280 J

height: h = 16 m

gravitational acceleration: g = 9.8 m/s/s (on Earth)

Starting formula

Algebra: divide each side by g

Algebra: g's cancel on right

Algebra: divide each side by h

Algebra: h's cancel on right

Algebra: swap right and left

Plug in values with units

Math: (280)/((9.8)(16)) = 1.785....

Final result with significant figures and unit