The decrease in the potential energy of the system can be given by;
(m2 - m1)gh. Option A
Potential energy is a form of energy that an object possesses due to its position, state, or condition. It is energy that is stored and has the potential to be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
Potential energy is a crucial concept in physics, and understanding it helps explain various phenomena, including the motion of objects, the behavior of springs, and the dynamics of chemical reactions.
We know that the change in the potential energy is given by;
ΔE = m1gh - m2gh
ΔE =gh(m1 - m2)
A system consists of two objects having masses ml and m2(m1 < m2). The objects are connected by a mass less string, hung over a pulley as shown, and then released. When the object of mass m2 has descended a distance h, the potential energy of the system has decreased by?
(A) (m2 - m1)gh (B) m2gh (C) (m1 + m2)gh (D) ½(m1+ m2)gh (E) 0