Which THREE of the following would best increase the potential energy due to gravity of a catapult's counterweight.

Question

Which THREE of the following would best increase the potential energy due to gravity of a catapult's counterweight.

taking it to a planet where the gravitational field is greater than the gravitational field on Earth.

putting it in a bigger container

increasing the density

adding mass

increasing the height from which it is dropped

making it rounder

Answer 1

To increase the potential energy due to gravity of a catapult's counterweight, the following three options would be most effective:

1. Taking it to a planet where the gravitational field is greater than the gravitational field on Earth - The potential energy (PE) due to gravity is calculated as PE = mgh, where \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity. A higher \( g \) would increase the potential energy.

2. Adding mass - Increasing the mass (m) of the counterweight directly increases the potential energy since it is part of the equation PE = mgh.

3. Increasing the height from which it is dropped - Increasing the height (h) also directly increases the potential energy, as it is another component of the equation PE = mgh.

Thus, the three correct options are:

1. Taking it to a planet where the gravitational field is greater than the gravitational field on Earth.
2. Adding mass.
3. Increasing the height from which it is dropped.