Final answer:
The comparison between potential and kinetic energy for a cart is circumstance-dependent. If the cart is stationary and at a height, PE > KE. If it's in motion at ground level, KE > PE. If the cart is halfway down a slope, PE and KE may be equal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The comparison between potential energy (PE) and kinetic energy (KE) for a cart with 10 washers fully depends on the specific circumstances. However, as a general rule, in any energy transformation, the total energy remains constant (Law of Conservation of Energy).
If the cart is stationary and at a height, it has maximum PE and minimum KE (KE = 0), thus option A, 'PE is greater than KE', can be correct. If the cart is in motion and at ground level, it has maximum KE and minimum PE (PE = 0), and option B, 'KE is greater than PE', could be applicable. When the cart is halfway down a slope, for example, the amount of PE and KE could potentially be equal, so option C, 'PE and KE are equal', could also be accurate.
Learn more about Potential and Kinetic Energy