A toy car rolls along a track as shown below. From greatest to smallest, rank the potential energy of the toy car for the three marked locations. Provide an explanation for your ranking. B C

College Physics
11th Edition
ISBN:9781305952300
Author:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Chapter1: Units, Trigonometry. And Vectors
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1CQ: Estimate the order of magnitude of the length, in meters, of each of the following; (a) a mouse, (b)...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Topic Video
Question
**Title: Analyzing Potential Energy on a Track**

**Description:**

A toy car rolls along a track as shown below. From greatest to smallest, rank the potential energy of the toy car for the three marked locations. Provide an explanation for your ranking.

**Diagram Explanation:**

The diagram shows a wavy track with three marked points where a toy car is positioned:

- **Point A:** The car is at the highest peak of the track.
- **Point B:** The car is at the lowest dip on the track.
- **Point C:** The car is on a smaller peak between points A and B.

**Analysis:**

1. **Potential Energy Ranking:**
   - **Greatest Potential Energy:** Point A
   - **Medium Potential Energy:** Point C
   - **Least Potential Energy:** Point B

**Explanation:**

The potential energy of an object is determined by its height above a reference point, typically the ground. The higher the object, the greater its potential energy due to gravity. 

- At Point A, the car is at the highest point on the track, so it has the maximum potential energy.
- At Point C, the car is on a lower peak, thus having less potential energy than at Point A, but more than at Point B.
- At Point B, the car is at the lowest point, which means its potential energy is the least among the three points.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Analyzing Potential Energy on a Track** **Description:** A toy car rolls along a track as shown below. From greatest to smallest, rank the potential energy of the toy car for the three marked locations. Provide an explanation for your ranking. **Diagram Explanation:** The diagram shows a wavy track with three marked points where a toy car is positioned: - **Point A:** The car is at the highest peak of the track. - **Point B:** The car is at the lowest dip on the track. - **Point C:** The car is on a smaller peak between points A and B. **Analysis:** 1. **Potential Energy Ranking:** - **Greatest Potential Energy:** Point A - **Medium Potential Energy:** Point C - **Least Potential Energy:** Point B **Explanation:** The potential energy of an object is determined by its height above a reference point, typically the ground. The higher the object, the greater its potential energy due to gravity. - At Point A, the car is at the highest point on the track, so it has the maximum potential energy. - At Point C, the car is on a lower peak, thus having less potential energy than at Point A, but more than at Point B. - At Point B, the car is at the lowest point, which means its potential energy is the least among the three points.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Kinetic energy
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, physics and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
College Physics
College Physics
Physics
ISBN:
9781305952300
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, Chris Vuille
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
University Physics (14th Edition)
University Physics (14th Edition)
Physics
ISBN:
9780133969290
Author:
Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman
Publisher:
PEARSON
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Introduction To Quantum Mechanics
Physics
ISBN:
9781107189638
Author:
Griffiths, David J., Schroeter, Darrell F.
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics for Scientists and Engineers
Physics
ISBN:
9781337553278
Author:
Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Lecture- Tutorials for Introductory Astronomy
Physics
ISBN:
9780321820464
Author:
Edward E. Prather, Tim P. Slater, Jeff P. Adams, Gina Brissenden
Publisher:
Addison-Wesley
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
College Physics: A Strategic Approach (4th Editio…
Physics
ISBN:
9780134609034
Author:
Randall D. Knight (Professor Emeritus), Brian Jones, Stuart Field
Publisher:
PEARSON