Question
A person throws a ball up in the air. At which point will it have the greatest potential energy
Answers
GPT-4o mini
A ball thrown into the air will have the greatest potential energy at its highest point. Potential energy (PE) in the context of gravity is given by the equation:
\[
PE = mgh
\]
where \(m\) is the mass of the object, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above the reference point (usually the ground).
As the ball ascends, its height (\(h\)) increases, leading to an increase in potential energy. Once the ball reaches its maximum height, it will momentarily stop before starting to descend, and at this point, the potential energy is at its maximum. After this point, as the ball begins to fall, its height decreases and so does its potential energy.
\[
PE = mgh
\]
where \(m\) is the mass of the object, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \(h\) is the height above the reference point (usually the ground).
As the ball ascends, its height (\(h\)) increases, leading to an increase in potential energy. Once the ball reaches its maximum height, it will momentarily stop before starting to descend, and at this point, the potential energy is at its maximum. After this point, as the ball begins to fall, its height decreases and so does its potential energy.