b. What is the potential energy of the sack of the grain at this height?

To calculate the potential energy (PE) of the sack of grain at a given height, you can use the formula: PE = m * g * h, where m is the mass of the sack (in kilograms), g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is the height (in meters) above a reference point. For example, if you have a 10 kg sack of grain at a height of 5 meters, the potential energy would be PE = 10 kg * 9.81 m/s² * 5 m = 490.5 joules! That's the energy just waiting to be transformed into kinetic energy if it drops! Speaking of grains, did you know that ancient civilizations utilized grains, not just for food but also as a form of currency? The Egyptians, for instance, relied heavily on grain storage to sustain their economy and even traded it. Grain was so valuable that it was taxed, and officials measured its value in a standardized manner, making it a critical component of their trade and agriculture systems. Who knew a sack of grains could tell such a rich historical tale!