a. At which position is the potential energy the greatest?
• 10 m
• 5 m
• 8 m
• 0 m
The potential energy is the greatest at position 10 m.
To determine at which position the potential energy is the greatest, we need to understand the factors that affect potential energy. The potential energy of an object is given by the equation PE = mgh, where m represents the mass of the object, g represents the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2), and h represents the height of the object above a reference point.
In this case, we are comparing different positions along a vertical axis. The higher an object is placed above the reference point, the greater its potential energy will be.
Let's compare the given positions:
1. 10 m: The object is placed 10 m above the reference point.
2. 5 m: The object is placed 5 m above the reference point.
3. 8 m: The object is placed 8 m above the reference point.
4. 0 m: The object is placed at the reference point.
Now, based on the understanding of potential energy, we can conclude that the position with the greatest potential energy is the one that is located at the highest point above the reference point. Therefore, the position with the greatest potential energy is 10 m.
To determine at which position the potential energy is the greatest, we need to understand the concept of potential energy and how it is related to position.
Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position relative to other objects or due to its internal structure. In the case of gravitational potential energy, it is related to an object's height above the reference level.
The potential energy of an object in a gravitational field can be calculated using the formula:
PE = mgh
Where:
PE is the potential energy
m is the mass of the object
g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2)
h is the height or vertical position of the object
Now, let's consider the given positions:
• 10 m
• 5 m
• 8 m
• 0 m
Since potential energy is directly proportional to height, the position with the highest potential energy would be the one with the greatest height.
Therefore, the position with the greatest potential energy would be at 10 m.