how can we increase the gravitational potential energy of the car?\na strap a boulder to the car so that it…
how can we increase the gravitational potential energy of the car?\na strap a boulder to the car so that it weighs more.\nb keep the length of the hill at 50 m but only 5 m tall.\nc take the interior out of the car so that the car has less mass.\nd keep the hill at 10 m tall but increase the length of the hill so that the car has farther to roll.
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall gravitational - potential - energy formula
The gravitational potential energy formula is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity (constant near the Earth's surface), and $h$ is the height.
Step2: Analyze each option
- Option A: Strapping a boulder to the car increases the mass $m$. Since $U = mgh$, increasing $m$ will increase $U$.
- Option B: Decreasing the height $h$ (from 10 m to 5 m) while keeping other factors constant will decrease $U$ according to $U = mgh$.
- Option C: Reducing the mass $m$ of the car will decrease $U$ as per $U = mgh$.
- Option D: Increasing the length of the hill without changing the height $h$ does not affect $U$ because $U$ depends only on $m$, $g$, and $h$.
Answer:
A. Strap a boulder to the car so that it weighs more.