a 7.3kg gallon paint can is lifted 1.78 meters vertically to a shelf. what is the change potential energy of the paint can

127.5 J

Explanation:

Potential energy is given as the product of mass of an object, the height moved and acceleration due to gravity. Therefore, PE=mgh

The change in potential energy is given by mg (hf-hi) where hf-hi is change in height got by subtracting initial height from final height. In this case, the initial height is zero while final height is 1.78 m.

Substituting 9.81 m/s2 for g, 7.3 kg for m and h with 1.78 then the change in potential energy will be

7.3*9.81 * (1.78-0) = 127.47114 J

Rounded off as 127.5 J