Question

A cubic box with a mass of 10 N falls from Position “a” to the ground at Position “c”.



image

Which statement describes the transformation of energy in the diagram?



A.
Kinetic energy at Position “a” is the greatest, and potential energy decreases as the height changes.

B.
Kinetic energy at Position “c” is the lowest, and potential energy increases as the height changes.

C.
Potential energy at Position “a” is the greatest, and kinetic energy increases as the height changes.

D.
Potential energy at Position “c” is the lowest, and kinetic energy decreases as the height changes.

Answer 1

C.

At position a the box has the largest gravitational potential energy (mgh). As it falls the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, so kinetic energy increases and potential energy decreases (ignoring air resistance).