Question

considering that the potential energy of the block at the table is mgh/3 and that on the floor is -2mgh/3, what is the change in potential energy of the block if it is moved from the table to the floor? express your answer in terms of some or all the variables m, v, and h and any appropriate constants. view available hint(s) hint 1. definition of δu δu = blank submit request answer

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for change in potential energy

The change in potential energy \(\Delta U\) is given by the final potential energy \(U_f\) minus the initial potential energy \(U_i\), i.e., \(\Delta U = U_f - U_i\).

Step2: Identify initial and final potential energies

The initial potential energy \(U_i\) (at the table) is \(\frac{mgh}{3}\), and the final potential energy \(U_f\) (on the floor) is \(-\frac{2mgh}{3}\).

Step3: Calculate the change in potential energy

Substitute the values of \(U_f\) and \(U_i\) into the formula:
\[

$$\begin{align*} \Delta U&=U_f - U_i\\ &=-\frac{2mgh}{3}-\frac{mgh}{3}\\ &=\frac{-2mgh - mgh}{3}\\ &=\frac{-3mgh}{3}\\ &=-mgh \end{align*}$$

\]

Answer:

\(\Delta U = -mgh\)