Question

Two identical objects, made of iron and wood, are allowed to fall from the same height on a heap of sand. It is found that the iron object penetrates more into the sand than the wooden object. Which of the two objects has more potential energy?

a. Iron object
b. Wooden object
c. Both have the same potential energy
d. Cannot be determined without additional information

Answer 1

Both the iron and the wooden object have the same potential energy if they are identical in size and shape and fall from the same height. The penetration difference in sand is due to the iron's greater density and momentum, not a difference in potential energy. Option C is correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparing Potential Energy of Different Materials

When considering two identical objects made of iron and wood that are allowed to fall from the same height, the question is: which one has more potential energy? The answer is c. Both have the same potential energy.

Potential energy is determined by the mass of the object, the height from which it falls, and the acceleration due to gravity, according to the formula PE = mgh (where PE is potential energy, m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height).

Since the two objects are identical in size and shape and fall from the same height, their potential energy at the start is the same. The reason the iron object penetrates more into the sand has to do with its greater density and momentum upon impact because of its higher mass, not because it has more potential energy.