Question

Vary the sled’s height and mass. Observe the effect of each change on the potential energy of the sled.

Answer 1

Answer:

a. Potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

b. Potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

c. P.E₂₀ = 2 P.E₁₀

d. P.E₂₀₀ = 2 P.E₁₀₀

Explanation:

The potential energy of the sled can be given by the following:

$Potential\ Energy = P.E = mgh$

where,

m = mass of sled

g = acceleration due to gravity

h = height of sled

a.

It is clear from the formula that potential energy of sled is directly proportional  to the height of sled.

Therefore, potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

b.

It is clear from the formula that potential energy of sled is directly proportional to the mass of sled.

Therefore, potential energy of the sled is increased when mass of sled is increased.

c.

$P.E\ at\ 10\ m:\\P.E_{10} = 10mg\\P.E\ at\ 20\ m:\\P.E_{20} = 20mg\\\frac{P.E_{20}}{P.E_{10}} = \frac{20mg}{10mg}$

P.E₂₀ = 2 P.E₁₀

d.

$P.E\ at\ 100\ kg:\\P.E_{100} = 100gh\\P.E\ at\ 200\ m:\\P.E_{200} = 200gh\\\frac{P.E_{200}}{P.E_{100}} = \frac{200gh}{100gh}$

P.E₂₀₀ = 2 P.E₁₀₀