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Dylan has a mass of 56 kg, and Caleb has a mass of 68 kg. Dylan is standing at the top of a skateboard ramp that is 1.5 meters tall. Which conclusion is best supported by the given information?

A) If Caleb stands at the top of a 1 m high ramp, his potential energy will be greater than Dylan's.
B) If Caleb stands at the top of the same ramp, his potential energy will be the same as Dylan's.
C) If Caleb stands at the top of a 2 m high ramp, his potential energy will be greater than Dylan's.

User Kamoo
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

Caleb will have greater potential energy than Dylan if he stands at the top of a 2 m high ramp due to his greater mass and the higher elevation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given Dylan's mass of 56 kg and his position at the top of a skateboard ramp that is 1.5 meters tall, we can calculate his potential energy using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h is height.

For Dylan, PE = 56 kg × 9.81 m/s² × 1.5 m, which gives us his potential energy. If Caleb stands at the top of the same skateboard ramp, since his mass is greater (68 kg), but the height is the same (1.5 m), his potential energy will also be greater than Dylan's because potential energy is directly proportional to both mass and height. However, if Caleb stands at the top of a 1 m tall ramp, his potential energy will be less compared to when Dylan is at the top of the 1.5 m ramp, because the height is less, despite the greater mass. But if Caleb stands at the top of a 2 m tall ramp, his potential energy will indeed be greater than Dylan's because he has a greater mass and is at a higher elevation.

Therefore, the conclusion that is best supported by the given information is: C) If Caleb stands at the top of a 2 m high ramp, his potential energy will be greater than Dylan's.

User MickG
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