Question

which object would have more potential energy due to its position? a pen on a desk a bird on the ground a kite in the sky a book on the floor

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 (\(g>0\)), and \(h\) is the height above a reference level. Assuming the mass of the objects is non - zero.

Step2: Compare the heights of the objects

• A pen on a desk has some height \(h_{desk}\) above the floor.
• A bird on the ground has \(h = 0\) (taking the ground as the reference level).
• A kite in the sky has a height \(h_{sky}\) which is much larger than \(h_{desk}\) (since the sky is at a greater elevation than a desk).
• A book on the floor has \(h = 0\) (taking the floor as the reference level).

Since \(U\propto h\) (when \(m\) and \(g\) are constant), the object with the greatest height has the most potential energy.

Answer:

A kite in the sky