Question

four birds are at the zoo. rank them from least (1) to greatest (4) gravitational potential energy.
mass: m
height: h
mass: 2m
height: 0
mass: 4m
height: h
mass: m
height: 3h

Explanation:

Step1: Recall Gravitational PE Formula

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is given by \( PE = mgh \), where \( m \) is mass, \( g \) is gravitational acceleration, and \( h \) is height. Assume \( g \) is constant, so we can compare \( m \times h \) for each bird.

Step2: Calculate PE for Each Bird

• Bird 1: \( m \times h = mh \)
• Bird 2: \( 2m \times 0 = 0 \)
• Bird 3: \( 4m \times h = 4mh \)
• Bird 4: \( m \times 3h = 3mh \)

Step3: Rank by PE (Least to Greatest)

Order of \( PE \) values: \( 0 < mh < 3mh < 4mh \). So Bird 2 (mass \( 2m \), height \( 0 \)) is 1, Bird 1 (mass \( m \), height \( h \)) is 2, Bird 4 (mass \( m \), height \( 3h \)) is 3, Bird 3 (mass \( 4m \), height \( h \)) is 4.

Answer:

1. Mass: \( 2m \), Height: \( 0 \)
2. Mass: \( m \), Height: \( h \)
3. Mass: \( m \), Height: \( 3h \)
4. Mass: \( 4m \), Height: \( h \)