Understanding the Concepts

* Gravitational Potential Energy (GPE): This is the energy an object possesses due to its position relative to a reference point (usually the ground). It's calculated using the formula: GPE = mgh, where:

* m = mass (kg)

* g = acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s²)

* h = height (m)

* Change in GPE: The difference in GPE between two points represents the amount of energy converted to other forms, like kinetic energy during a dive.

Solving the Problem

1. We know:

* ΔGPE (change in GPE) = 4441 J

* h (height) = 3.6 m

* g (acceleration due to gravity) = 9.8 m/s²

2. We want to find:

* m (mass)

3. Using the GPE formula, we can rearrange it to solve for mass:

* ΔGPE = mgh

* m = ΔGPE / (gh)

4. Substitute the known values and calculate:

* m = 4441 J / (9.8 m/s² * 3.6 m)

* m ≈ 126.4 kg

Therefore, the mass of the diver is approximately 126.4 kg.