Which object most likely has the greatest gravitational potential energy?A bicycle on the roadA book on a shelf A desk in an officeA spec of sand on the beach
Question
Which object most likely has the greatest gravitational potential energy?
- A bicycle on the road
- A book on a shelf
- A desk in an office
- A spec of sand on the beach
Solution
Gravitational potential energy depends on two factors: the mass of the object and its height above the ground.
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First, let's consider the mass of the objects. A desk is likely to be heavier than a book or a bicycle, and a spec of sand is the lightest of all.
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Next, let's consider the height of the objects above the ground. A book on a shelf is likely to be higher than a bicycle on the road, a desk in an office, or a spec of sand on the beach.
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Combining these two factors, the object with the greatest gravitational potential energy is likely to be the book on the shelf. Despite being lighter than the desk, its higher position gives it more potential energy.
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