Why is there a minus sign in the formula Δp/Δt = −ΔEP/Δs?
Answer
a. Objects are accelerated to higher kinetic energy.
b. Objects seek zero motion.
c. Objects are accelerated toward higher potential.
d. Objects are accelerated away from higher potential.
To understand why there is a minus sign in the formula Δp/Δt = -ΔEP/Δs, we need to examine the variables involved in the equation.
Δp represents the change in momentum of an object, which is given by the product of the mass (m) and the velocity (v): Δp = m * Δv.
Δt represents the change in time.
ΔEP represents the change in potential energy of the object.
Δs represents the change in distance or displacement.
The formula Δp/Δt = -ΔEP/Δs relates the change in momentum of an object to the change in its potential energy with respect to its displacement. The minus sign in front of ΔEP/Δs is there to indicate that the change in potential energy is inversely related to the change in distance or displacement.
In other words, when an object is accelerated towards higher potential (option c), its potential energy increases, resulting in a decrease in momentum. On the other hand, when an object is accelerated away from higher potential (option d), its potential energy decreases, resulting in an increase in momentum. This relationship is represented by the negative sign in the equation.
Therefore, the correct answer is d. Objects are accelerated away from higher potential.