Question

What is the potential energy of a 6-kg sloth hanging in a tree 8 meters off the ground? (Use 10 m/s2 for the acceleration due to Earth's gravity.)

Answer 1

well, if zero is on the ground (potential always needs a definition of zero) then

F up = constant to move it up against gravity with zero acceleration = m g = 6 * 10 = 60 Newtons
distance up = 8 meters
so
Work done to move it up at low speed = 60 Newtons * 8 meters
= 48 Newton meters = 48 Joules
so
48 Joules is its potential energy at 8 meters above ground.