Final answer:
Book 1, with a mass of 3 kg on a shelf 1.4 m high, has greater potential energy than Book 2, which weighs 2 kg and is on a shelf 1.9 m high.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks which book, Book 1 or Book 2, has greater potential energy based on their respective masses and the heights of the shelves they are on. The potential energy (PE) can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s2 on Earth), and h is the height above the reference point.
Book 1 has a mass of 3 kg and is on a shelf 1.4 m high, so its potential energy is PE = 3 kg * 9.8 m/s2 * 1.4 m. Book 2 has a mass of 2 kg and is on a shelf 1.9 m high, thus its potential energy is PE = 2 kg * 9.8 m/s2 * 1.9 m.
Upon calculating these, we find that Book 1 has a potential energy of 41.16 J, and Book 2 has a potential energy of 37.24 J. Since 41.16 J is greater than 37.24 J, Book 1 has greater potential energy and is the answer to the question.