Question

energy
10
8
6
4
2
0
e_p
e_k
a christmas tree ornament is hanging from a branch. it has 5 units of gravitational potential energy.
what is the total energy?
5 units
8 units
10 units
6 units

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the motion state

The Christmas tree ornament is hanging from a branch, so it is in a static state, and its kinetic energy \( E_{k} = 0 \).

Step2: Calculate the total energy

The total mechanical energy \( E_{total} \) is equal to the sum of gravitational potential energy \( E_{p} \) and kinetic energy \( E_{k} \), that is \( E_{total}=E_{p} + E_{k} \). Given that \( E_{p} = 5 \) units and \( E_{k}=0 \) units, then \( E_{total}=5 + 0 = 5 \) units.

Answer:

5 units