Question
The diagram below shows an object at point V that moves over a frictionless surface from point V to point Z. The object has a mass of M kilograms.
image
The object's potential energy at point Y is less than its potential energy at which of the following points?
A.
V
B.
W
C.
X
D.
Z
image
The object's potential energy at point Y is less than its potential energy at which of the following points?
A.
V
B.
W
C.
X
D.
Z
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To determine at which point the potential energy at point Y is less than the potential energy at other points, we need to consider the relative height of each point on the frictionless surface, because potential energy (PE) depends on height in a gravitational field. Potential energy is given by the formula:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the object,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity,
- \( h \) is the height of the object above a reference point.
As the object moves from point V to point Z, it may be moving up or down relative to its starting point. If Y is at a lower height compared to other points, then its potential energy at Y is less.
Without the specific height data from the diagram, we can make the following considerations:
1. If Y is at a lower height compared to V, W, X, and Z, then the potential energy at Y will be less than at those points.
2. If the object is moving horizontally over a frictionless surface, and you mentioned point Y having less potential energy, it suggests that comparing it to other points (which may be at higher elevations) will show PE(Y) < PE(other points).
Based on standard scenarios in physics:
- If point V is higher than Y, then PE at V > PE at Y.
- If point W is also at a higher height than Y, then PE at W > PE at Y.
- If points X and Z are at similar or higher heights than Y, the same logic applies.
Given this reasoning, the correct answer—assuming Y is lower than at least one other point—would be one of those points that are at a higher height:
If point Y's potential energy is indeed less, it is guaranteed that:
- The potential energy at point Y is less than at point V, W, X, or Z, depending on their respective heights.
**Answer:** A. V (if Y is lower than V).
\[ PE = mgh \]
where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the object,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity,
- \( h \) is the height of the object above a reference point.
As the object moves from point V to point Z, it may be moving up or down relative to its starting point. If Y is at a lower height compared to other points, then its potential energy at Y is less.
Without the specific height data from the diagram, we can make the following considerations:
1. If Y is at a lower height compared to V, W, X, and Z, then the potential energy at Y will be less than at those points.
2. If the object is moving horizontally over a frictionless surface, and you mentioned point Y having less potential energy, it suggests that comparing it to other points (which may be at higher elevations) will show PE(Y) < PE(other points).
Based on standard scenarios in physics:
- If point V is higher than Y, then PE at V > PE at Y.
- If point W is also at a higher height than Y, then PE at W > PE at Y.
- If points X and Z are at similar or higher heights than Y, the same logic applies.
Given this reasoning, the correct answer—assuming Y is lower than at least one other point—would be one of those points that are at a higher height:
If point Y's potential energy is indeed less, it is guaranteed that:
- The potential energy at point Y is less than at point V, W, X, or Z, depending on their respective heights.
**Answer:** A. V (if Y is lower than V).