Chapter 10, Problem 4A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation :

Which ball has higher potential energy must be explained.

Concept Introduction :

Potential energy of an object is the energy which is due to special position or state of the object.

Potential energy is calculates as $\text{PE=m×g×h}$ where m, g and h are mass of the object, gravitational acceleration and height of the object with respect to ground or sea level.

Answer to Problem 4A

Ball ‘A” will have higher potential energy.

Explanation of Solution

Both the ball ‘A’ and ‘B’ have same mass as can be assumed from the image. Gravitational acceleration will be same for both the ball. So only differentiating factor is the height (h).

As ball ‘A’ is in higher height as compared to ball ‘B’ so ball ‘A’ must have higher potential energy as per the potential energy (PE) equation $\text{PE=m×g×h}$ .

Conclusion

Ball ‘A’ will have higher potential energy due to having higher height (h).