Question

In which scenario does Newton's cradle have the most potential energy? A. Newton's cradle has the most potential energy right before it stops moving and all the kinetic energy has been converted to potential energy. B. Newton's cradle has the most potential energy when the end ball is lifted to its maximum height before being released. C. Newton's cradle has the most potential energy when the balls are moving back and forth. D. Newton's cradle has the most potential energy when the balls are at rest.

Answer 1

Answer: Option D.

Newton's cradle has the most potential energy when the balls are at rest.

Explanation:

Newton's cradle demonstrate principle of conservation of momentum which states that when two objects collide, the total momentum before it's collision is the same as it's momentum after it collision.

Newton's cradle has the most potential energy when the balls are at rest because an object at rest or by virtue of it's position has potential energy when it's not moving or stationary. A stationary or objects at rest posses potential energy.

Potential energy is the energy posses by a body or object that is not moving or at rest or energy stored by an object by virtue of it's position.