Question

What can you say about the potential energy of the two sleds shown below A. Sled A has more potential energy. B. Sled B has more potential energy. C. The two sleds have the same potential energy. D. There is not enough information to know which sled has more potential energy.

Answer 1

B. Sled B has more potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Option B is correct because when you carry out the calculation, you will find out.

Below is the calculation:

Potential energy = mgh where m= mass of sled, g=gravitational force =
`9.8m/s^(2)` and h= height.

Sled A Potential Energy = 100kg x
`9.8m/s^(2)` x 50m =
`49000kgm^(2)/s^(2)`= 49kJ.

Sled B Potential Energy = 200kg x
`9.8m/s^(2)` x 30m =
`58800kgm^(2)/s^(2)` = 58.8kJ.

So, since Sled B gave us 58.8kJ, it has more potential energy than Sled A that has 49kJ.