Question

Two bodies A and B of masses 10 kg and 20 kg respectively are
at the same height above the ground. Which of the two has
greater potential energy? Why?

Answer 1

Answer:

20 kg because it is heavy

Explanation:

hope it helps you

Answer 2

Answer :

The body B having mass 20 kg has the greater potential energy.

Explanation :

Given,

• mass of body A, m₁ = 10 kg
• mass of body B, m₂ = 20 kg
• They're at the same height above the ground

       h₁ = h₂ = h

To find,

• which body has greater potential energy

Solution,

Potential energy is given by,

PE = mgh

where

m is the mass of the body

g is the acceleration due to gravity

h is the height

➟ Potential energy of body A

  PE₁ = m₁gh₁

  PE₁ = (10 kg) × gh

  PE₁ = 10gh

➟ Potential energy of body B

  PE₂ = m₂gh₂

  PE₂ = (20 kg) gh

  PE₂ = 20gh

➱ 20gh > 10gh

    PE₂ > PE₁

In other words, when the objects are at the same height above the ground, the one having higher mass has the greater potential energy.

Since, PE ∝ m

Therefore, The body B having mass 20 kg has the greater potential energy.