Question

analyzing the energy of a book
joshua is holding a book near shoulder - height. use the drop - down menus to indicate what happens to the gravitational potential energy of the book if he places it on each shelf.
shelf a
shelf b
shelf c

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Gravitational PE Formula

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is given by \( PE = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is height above a reference point.

Step2: Analyze Shelf A

Shelf A is higher than Joshua’s shoulder - height (where he holds the book). Since \( h \) increases (mass \( m \) and \( g \) are constant), \( PE \) increases.

Step3: Analyze Shelf B

Shelf B is at Joshua’s shoulder - height (same as where he holds the book). So \( h \) remains the same, thus \( PE \) stays the same.

Step4: Analyze Shelf C

Shelf C is lower than Joshua’s shoulder - height. As \( h \) decreases (with \( m \) and \( g \) constant), \( PE \) decreases.

Answer:

• shelf A: Increases
• shelf B: Stays the same
• shelf C: Decreases