To explain why the skateboarder has the greatest potential energy at point A, we need to understand the concept of potential energy, particularly gravitational potential energy, which is given by 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 \( 9.81 , m/s^2 \) on the surface of the Earth), and
- \( h \) is the height of the object above a reference point (usually the ground).
If the skateboarder is at the highest point (point A) in the context of the described table, their height (\( h \)) would be greater than at other points. Here’s the reasoning:
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Height: At point A, the skateboarder is at the highest elevation compared to points B, C, or any others. Since potential energy depends directly on height, a greater height results in greater potential energy.
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Mass and Gravity Constant: Assuming the mass of the skateboarder remains constant and given that \( g \) is also constant, any increase in height will lead to an increase in potential energy.
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Comparison with Other Points: If the heights at points B, C, and others are lower than at point A, their potential energy values will consequently be lower.
In summary, the skateboarder has the greatest potential energy at point A because it is at the highest elevation compared to other points, resulting in a higher associated gravitational potential energy value.
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