Question

Ball A was carried to the top of a hill in a straight line, while ball B was carried in a longer, zigzag path. At the top of the hill, both balls were left at rest. A student draws a graph that depicts each ball's final potential energy. Which statement describes the final potential energy of the balls? (1 point)
• Neither ball has any potential energy.
• Ball A has more potential energy.
• Both balls have equal potential energy.
• Ball B has more potential energy.

Answer 1

Both balls have equal potential energy.

Explanation: Gravitational potential energy depends only on mass and height (ΔU = mgh), not on the path taken. Since both are at the same height and at rest, their potential energies are the same.