A large boulder sits at the top edge of a cliff, this is boulder A. A smaller boulder sits on a ledge half way down the same cliff, this is boulder B. Which boulder has the greatest potential energy, A or B?

PE= mgh

for the top boulder, M is larger, and h is larger than the other bolder.

So which has the greater PE?

A has greater PE?

To determine which boulder has the greatest potential energy, we need to consider the factors that affect potential energy. Potential energy is directly related to an object's mass and its height above a reference point.

In this scenario, boulder A is at the top edge of the cliff, while boulder B is halfway down the same cliff. Since boulder A is higher above the reference point (the ground or base of the cliff), it has a greater height and therefore has a greater potential energy.

To calculate potential energy, we can use the formula:
Potential Energy = mass (m) × acceleration due to gravity (g) × height (h)

Since we do not have the values for mass or height of the boulders, we cannot determine the exact amount of potential energy each boulder possesses. However, based on their relative positions, we can conclude that boulder A has a higher potential energy than boulder B.

In summary, boulder A has the greatest potential energy because it is located at a greater height above the reference point than boulder B.