Question
The diagram shows a ball resting at the top of a hill. Which statement best describes the energy in this system? The potential energy in the system is greatest at X. The kinetic energy in the system is greatest at X Total energy in the system decreases as the ball moves from X to Y. Total energy in the system increases as the ball moves from X to Y.
Answer
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Lionel
Elite · Tutor for 8 years
Answer
To answer this question, we need to consider the principles of energy conservation and the different forms of energy involved in the scenario described.Step 1: Understand the forms of energy involved- Potential energy (PE) is the energy that is stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. The higher the object is, the greater its potential energy.- Kinetic energy (KE) is the energy of motion. The faster an object moves, the greater its kinetic energy.Step 2: Apply the principles to the scenario- At point X, the ball is at rest at the top of a hill. Since it is not moving, its kinetic energy is zero. However, because it is at a higher position, it has maximum potential energy.- As the ball moves from X to Y, it is moving from a higher position to a lower position along a curved path. This means that its potential energy is being converted into kinetic energy as it loses height and gains speed.- The total energy in the system (potential energy + kinetic energy) remains constant if we ignore air resistance and friction (conservation of energy principle). The energy is merely transformed from one form to another.Step 3: Evaluate the statements- "The potential energy in the system is greatest at X." This statement is true because the ball is at its highest point at X.- "The kinetic energy in the system is greatest at X." This statement is false because the ball is at rest at X, so its kinetic energy is zero.- "Total energy in the system decreases as the ball moves from X to Y." This statement is false because the total energy remains constant; it is only transformed from potential to kinetic energy.- "Total energy in the system increases as the ball moves from X to Y." This statement is also false because the total energy does not increase; it is conserved.Final Answer: The statement that best describes the energy in this system is "The potential energy in the system is greatest at X."