Question

question 5 of 25 which change to an object would reduce its potential energy by half? a. reducing its mass to one - quarter of its original value b. increasing its height to twice its original value c. reducing its height to one - half of its original value d. increasing its mass to twice its original value

Explanation:

Step1: Recall potential - energy formula

The gravitational potential energy formula is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: If $m$ becomes $\frac{1}{4}m$, then $U'=\frac{1}{4}mgh=\frac{1}{4}U$.
• Option B: If $h$ becomes $2h$, then $U' = mg(2h)=2U$.
• Option C: If $h$ becomes $\frac{1}{2}h$, then $U'=mg(\frac{1}{2}h)=\frac{1}{2}U$.
• Option D: If $m$ becomes $2m$, then $U'=(2m)gh = 2U$.

Answer:

C. Reducing its height to one - half of its original value