If the velocity of an object moving at a certain height is increase 4 times, then what will be the change in the potential energy of the object?
A. Potential energy will be constant
B. Potential energy will be half of its original value
C. Potential energy will be doubled
D. Potential energy will be 4 times of its original value
Answer: Option A
Solution (By Examveda Team)
Let's understand potential energy first.Potential energy (PE) is the energy an object has because of its position or height.
The formula for potential energy is: PE = mgh,
where:
m is the mass of the object,
g is the acceleration due to gravity (which is constant), and
h is the height of the object.
Notice that the velocity of the object doesn't appear in the formula for potential energy.
Potential energy depends only on the mass, gravity, and height.
Changing the velocity of the object at a certain height does not change its height.
Since the height remains the same, and the mass and gravity are also constant, the potential energy will not change.
Therefore, the correct answer is A: Potential energy will be constant.
Let's solve carefully:
Potential Energy (PE) is given by:
PE = mgh
= mass
= acceleration due to gravity
= height above the ground
Notice that potential energy depends only on height, mass, and gravity — not on velocity.
Now, in your question:
If the velocity of the object is increased 4 times but the height remains the same, then the potential energy remains unchanged.
Thus, the correct answer is:
> A. Potential energy will be constant