Question

If two boxes, one with a mass of 4 kg and one with a mass of 10 kg are sitting on a shelf. Explain the differences in their amount of potential energy.

Answer 1

The potential energy depends on mass and height. The box with a mass of 10 kg will have more potential energy compared to the box with a mass of 4 kg. However, if both boxes are at the same height, their potential energy will be equal.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of potential energy depends on the mass and height. The potential energy of an object is given by the equation PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s^2), and h is the height. In this case, the box with a mass of 4 kg will have less potential energy compared to the box with a mass of 10 kg. This is because the potential energy is directly proportional to the mass. The box with a mass of 10 kg will have a greater potential energy because it has more mass. However, if both boxes are at the same height, their potential energy will be equal since the height is the same for both boxes.

Answer 2

The box with a mass of 10 kilograms would have a greater amount of potential energy than the box with a mass of 4 kilograms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Potential energy can be defined as an energy possessed by an object or body due to its position.

Mathematically, potential energy is given by the formula;

`P.E = mgh`

Where,

P.E represents potential energy measured in Joules.

m represents the mass of an object.

g represents acceleration due to gravity measured in meters per seconds square.

h represents the height measured in meters.

Let's assume the height is 5 meters.

Acceleration due to gravity, g = 10 m/s²

For box with mass of 10 kg

`P.E = 10*10*5`

P.E = 500 Joules.

For box with mass of 4 kg;

`P.E = 4*10*5`

P.E = 200 Joules.

Hence, the box with a mass of 10 kilograms would have a greater amount of potential energy than the box with a mass of 4 kilograms.