A black squirrel is sitting on the ground. A red squirrel is sitting on a tree branch high above the black squirrel. Both squirrels have the same mass.

Question

Compared to the red squirrel, the black squirrel has
kinetic energy and
gravitational potential energy.

Answer 1

To compare the kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy of the two squirrels:

1. Kinetic Energy:

   • The black squirrel is sitting on the ground and, assuming it is not moving, its kinetic energy is zero.
   • The red squirrel, sitting high up on a branch, is not specified to be in motion, so we can also assume it has zero kinetic energy if it's at rest.
   • Thus, compared to the red squirrel, the black squirrel has less kinetic energy (which is zero compared to the red squirrel's kinetic energy, which is also zero, but this could change if the red squirrel were to move).

2. Gravitational Potential Energy:

   • Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is calculated using the formula: \( \text{GPE} = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point (usually the ground).
   • Since the red squirrel is sitting high in a tree, it has a higher height \( h \) compared to the black squirrel, which is sitting on the ground and has height \( h = 0 \).
   • Therefore, the red squirrel has significant gravitational potential energy due to its height, while the black squirrel has zero gravitational potential energy.
   • Thus, compared to the red squirrel, the black squirrel has less gravitational potential energy.

In summary, compared to the red squirrel, the black squirrel has less kinetic energy (both are zero if stationary) and less gravitational potential energy.