Question
4 A cup is sitting on a table. Which of the following would increase the cup's potential energy? A. knocking it off the table B. moving it to the edge of the table C. turning it over D. lifting it higher
Answer
4.1
(268 Votes)
Donovan
Professional · Tutor for 6 years
Answer
To determine which action would increase the cup's potential energy, we need to understand what potential energy is. Potential energy is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position relative to some zero position. In the case of gravitational potential energy, this is typically related to the height of an object above the ground.Step 1: Evaluate each option in relation to potential energy.A. Knocking it off the table would not increase the potential energy; instead, it would convert potential energy into kinetic energy as the cup falls.B. Moving it to the edge of the table does not change the height of the cup; therefore, it does not increase the potential energy.C. Turning it over does not change the height of the cup above the ground, so it does not increase the potential energy.D. Lifting it higher increases the height of the cup above the ground, which increases its gravitational potential energy.Step 2: Extract the final answer.The correct answer is D. Lifting it higher would increase the cup's potential energy.