What is true about an acorn hanging at the top of an oak tree?
A
Its kinetic energy is greater than its potential energy.
B
Its potential energy equals its kinetic energy.
C
Its potential energy is greater than its kinetic energy.
D
It has only kinetic energy.
which is greater?
kinetic energy is due to motion ... the acorn isn't moving
potential energy (from gravity) is due to height (above the ground)
To determine the correct answer, we need to understand the concept of potential and kinetic energy.
Potential energy refers to the stored energy an object has due to its position or state. In the case of the acorn hanging at the top of an oak tree, its potential energy is related to its height above the ground. The higher the acorn is, the greater its potential energy.
Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. When the acorn falls from the top of the oak tree, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy as it accelerates towards the ground.
Now, considering the options:
A) "Its kinetic energy is greater than its potential energy." This statement contradicts our understanding of potential and kinetic energy. As the acorn hangs at the top of the oak tree, it only has potential energy and no kinetic energy. Thus, option A is incorrect.
B) "Its potential energy equals its kinetic energy." As explained above, the acorn at the top of the tree has potential energy but no kinetic energy. Therefore, potential energy does not equal kinetic energy. Thus, option B is incorrect.
C) "Its potential energy is greater than its kinetic energy." This statement aligns with our understanding. Given that the acorn has only potential energy while hanging at the top, its potential energy is indeed greater than its kinetic energy. Thus, option C is correct.
D) "It has only kinetic energy." This statement is incorrect since the acorn has no kinetic energy while hanging at the top. Therefore, option D is incorrect.
So, the correct answer is option C: "Its potential energy is greater than its kinetic energy."