Question
Pablo is sledding down a very steep hill. At which point is Pablo's gravitational potential energy the greatest?
Answers
GPT-4o mini
Pablo's gravitational potential energy is greatest at the highest point of the hill. Gravitational potential energy is determined by the formula:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where \( PE \) is the potential energy, \( m \) is the mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point (usually the ground).
As Pablo sleds down the hill, his height \( h \) decreases, which in turn decreases his gravitational potential energy. Therefore, when he is at the top of the hill, his height is at its maximum, and consequently, his gravitational potential energy is also at its maximum.
\[ PE = mgh \]
where \( PE \) is the potential energy, \( m \) is the mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point (usually the ground).
As Pablo sleds down the hill, his height \( h \) decreases, which in turn decreases his gravitational potential energy. Therefore, when he is at the top of the hill, his height is at its maximum, and consequently, his gravitational potential energy is also at its maximum.