when do plates have the most potential energy
Plates have the most potential energy when they are located at their highest point in a system where gravitational potential energy is relevant. To determine this, you need to consider the factors affecting the potential energy of the plates.
Firstly, potential energy depends on the height from the reference point. In this case, the reference point would be the lowest possible position of the plates. As the plates move higher above the reference point, their potential energy increases. So, the plates reach their maximum potential energy at their highest point.
Secondly, potential energy also depends on the mass of the plates. The heavier the plates, the more potential energy they will have at any given height.
Therefore, the plates have the most potential energy when they are located at their highest point, assuming the reference point is at the lowest position and there are no other factors affecting their potential energy.