To maximize the potential energy of a sled at the top of a hill, you should focus on increasing both its height and its mass. The potential energy (PE) of an object is given by the formula:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where:
- \( m \) is the mass of the object,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth),
- \( h \) is the height of the object above a reference point.
From the options provided:
- Making the sled lighter - This would decrease the mass \( m \), which would decrease potential energy.
- Making the sled heavier - This would increase the mass \( m \), thus increasing potential energy.
- Making the hill less steep - This might reduce the height \( h \) at which the sled is placed, thus decreasing potential energy unless the height remains the same.
- Releasing the sled from a lower point on the hill - This would decrease the height \( h \), and therefore decrease potential energy.
Thus, the best option for maximizing potential energy is:
Making the sled heavier.
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