Question

Considering that the potential energy of the block at the table is mgh/3 and that ground level is -2mgh/3, what is the change in potential energy?

Option 1: mgh
Option 2: 3mgh
Option 3: -mgh
Option 4: -3mgh

Answer 1

The change in potential energy of the block, when it moves from the table to ground level, is calculated as mgh/3 - (-2mgh/3), which simplifies to mgh. Hence, the correct option is Option 1: mgh.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in the potential energy of the block when moving from the table to the ground can be calculated by finding the difference between the initial and final potential energies. The initial potential energy at the table is given as mgh/3, and the potential energy at ground level, which is below the table, is given as -2mgh/3. To find the change (ΔPE), subtract the final PE from the initial PE, which yields:

ΔPE = (mgh/3) - (-2mgh/3)

ΔPE = mgh/3 + 2mgh/3

ΔPE = 3mgh/3

ΔPE = mgh

Therefore, the correct option for the change in potential energy when the block goes from the table to the ground level is Option 1: mgh.