Question

Which has more potential energy: a book on the floor or the same book on a table? Explain your answer.

Answer 1

The same book on a table has more potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The potential energy of a body on Earth is defined as the energy possessed by the virtue of its heights.

The equation for gravitation potential energy is given by

P.E = mgh joules

From the above equation it is evident that when there is a change in the value of 'h', there is a change in the value of P.E

So, as per the above equation, the potential energy of book on floor

P.E = m x g x 0 ∵ h = 0 at floor

P.E = 0

The same book on the table has some magnitude in 'h' greater than zero

So, the same book on a table has more potential energy.