Final answer:
The mass-cord system gains a positive velocity as it is accelerated to point C. Therefore, the velocity gained by the mass as it is accelerated to point C will be positive, as the mass gains kinetic energy. Answer: b. Positive value.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given that the potential energy of the mass was 0.20 J and it loses 0.20 J of potential energy as it travels to point C, we can conclude that the kinetic energy gained by the mass-cord system is equal to the amount of potential energy lost. This is because energy is conserved in the system, and potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as the mass is accelerated. Therefore, the velocity gained by the mass as it is accelerated to point C will be positive, as the mass gains kinetic energy. Answer: b. Positive value