Question

if both balls are at the same height, which one has the greater amount of potential energy? ball a 500 kg ball b 100 kg equal for both balls ball a there is no way to tell ball b

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy is \( U = mgh \), where \( m \) is the mass, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (constant near the Earth's surface), and \( h \) is the height.

Step2: Compare the masses

Given that \( h \) and \( g \) are the same for both balls. Ball A has a mass \( m_A=500\space kg \) and Ball B has a mass \( m_B = 100\space kg \). Since \( U\propto m \) (when \( g \) and \( h \) are constant), and \( m_A>m_B \).

Answer:

Ball A