Question
Which would have the least potential energy? (1 point)
Answers
GPT-5 mini
I don't have the choices or the situation — can you post the options or describe the configuration?
In general:
- For gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface use U = mgh. The object with the smallest product m·h (or the lowest height h if masses are the same) has the least gravitational PE (relative to the chosen zero).
- For elastic (spring) PE use U = 1/2 k x^2. The least PE is for the smallest compression/extension x (or smallest k if x the same).
- For electrical or chemical PE, the minimum depends on the charges/positions or chemical states.
If you give the specific list, I’ll pick the correct one and show the calculation.
In general:
- For gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface use U = mgh. The object with the smallest product m·h (or the lowest height h if masses are the same) has the least gravitational PE (relative to the chosen zero).
- For elastic (spring) PE use U = 1/2 k x^2. The least PE is for the smallest compression/extension x (or smallest k if x the same).
- For electrical or chemical PE, the minimum depends on the charges/positions or chemical states.
If you give the specific list, I’ll pick the correct one and show the calculation.