Question

question 9 of 20
which equation represents how the gravitational potential energy (gpe) of a system relates to its kinetic energy (ke) and total mechanical energy (me)?
a. gpe = me - ke
b. gpe = me × ke
c. gpe = me + ke
d. gpe = ke - me

Explanation:

Step1: Recall energy - conservation formula

The total mechanical energy (ME) of a system is the sum of its gravitational potential energy (GPE) and kinetic energy (KE), i.e., $ME = GPE+KE$.

Step2: Rearrange the formula

We can solve the equation $ME = GPE + KE$ for GPE. Subtracting KE from both sides of the equation, we get $GPE=ME - KE$.

Answer:

A. $GPE = ME - KE$