Question

Consider 2 balls A and B of the same mass. The potential energy of ball A is thrice that of ball B. How high is ball A compared to ball B?

(a) Same height as ball B

(b) Twice as high height as ball B

(c) Thrice as high height as ball B

(d) Four times as high height as ball B

This question was posed to me in a national level competition.

My doubt stems from Potential Energy topic in division Work, Energy and Power of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

The correct choice is (c) Thrice as high height as ball B

Explanation: PEa = (m x g x h) a

PEb = (m x g x h) b

ma = mb = m

ga = gb = g

PEa = 3 x PEb

ma x ga x ha = mb x gb x hb x 3

m x g x ha = m x g x hb x 3

ha = 3 x hb.