c. When are kinetic energy and potential energy equal in magnitude (equal in amount)? (1 point)
• They are equal half-way between the top position and the bottom position.
• They are equal at the top position.
• They are equal at every position.
O They are equal at the bottom position.
• They are equal at the bottom position.
The correct answer is:
• They are equal at every position.
To determine when kinetic energy and potential energy are equal in magnitude, we need to understand the concept of mechanical energy. The total mechanical energy of an object is the sum of its kinetic energy and potential energy.
In this case, potential energy refers to the energy associated with the position of an object relative to a reference point. Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy an object possesses due to its motion.
At the top position of an object's motion, it has maximum potential energy because it is at the highest point. However, it has zero kinetic energy because it momentarily comes to a stop before reversing its motion.
Half-way between the top position and the bottom position is where the object has equal amounts of potential and kinetic energy. At this point, the potential energy is decreasing while the kinetic energy is increasing, and they become equal in magnitude.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
• They are equal half-way between the top position and the bottom position. (c)