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A book is at rest on a flat table. A person gives the book a shove and it slides across the table. The book eventually comes to rest again near the edge of the table. How does the potential and kinetic energy change during this process?(1 point) Responses The potential stays the same since the book is on the table. The kinetic energy stays the same since the book was only shoved. The potential stays the same since the book is on the table. The kinetic energy stays the same since the book was only shoved. The potential energy increases as the book is pushed across the table. The kinetic energy stays the same since the book was shoved. The potential energy increases as the book is pushed across the table. The kinetic energy stays the same since the book was shoved. The potential energy will stay the same as long as the book stays on the table. The kinetic energy increases when the book is shoved and then gradually decreases as it slides across the table and then comes to rest on the edge. The potential energy will stay the same as long as the book stays on the table. The kinetic energy increases when the book is shoved and then gradually decreases as it slides across the table and then comes to rest on the edge. The potential and kinetic energy are the same while the book is sitting on the table. They both increase when the book is shoved and then decrease as the book comes to rest again.

1 answer

The correct response is:

The potential energy will stay the same as long as the book stays on the table. The kinetic energy increases when the book is shoved and then gradually decreases as it slides across the table and then comes to rest on the edge.

Here's the reasoning behind this answer:

  1. Potential Energy (PE): The potential energy of the book remains constant as it is on a flat table, assuming there is no change in height. The height of the book relative to the gravitational field does not change while it stays on the table.

  2. Kinetic Energy (KE): The kinetic energy of the book increases when it is shoved because work is done on it, giving it speed. As the book slides and friction opposes its motion, its kinetic energy gradually decreases until it comes to rest near the edge of the table.

Therefore, throughout this process, potential energy remains constant, while kinetic energy changes—first increasing due to the shove and then decreasing as the book comes to rest.