Where is the potential energy the greatest?

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The question asks: 'Where is the potential energy the greatest?' However, the provided data does not include any answer options to analyze. Without specific options, I can reason about the general concept of potential energy and how to determine where it is greatest.

- In a common gravitational potential energy scenario, PE_g = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height above a chosen reference level. Here, the potential energy is greater at higher positions (larger h) relative to the chosen reference. So, in a setup with multiple heights, the object at the highest height has the greatest gravitational potential energy, assuming the same mass and a consistent reference level.

- If the problem is about electric potential energy (for two charges q1 and q2 separated by distance r), the potential energy is U = kq1q2/r for point charges. In that case, U is greatest in magnitude when the separation r is smallest (and the product q1q2 is large in magnitude), keeping track of the sign depending on whether charges are like or opposite.

- In a broader sense, 'potential energy' depends on the type of potential being considered (gravitational, electric, elastic, etc.) and on the chosen reference point or configuration. The location or configuration that maximizes the relevant expression (e.g., highest height for gravity, smallest separation for electric potential energy with like charges, maximum extension for elastic potential energy) would correspond to the greatest potential energy.

- Given that the answer options are missing, it’s not possible to select a specific choice. If you supply the option list, I can map each option to this reasoning and indicate which one aligns with the general rule for the type of potential energy in the problem (gravitational, electric, elastic, etc.).

- As a quick neutral takeaway: in a standard gravity problem with a single object, the greatest potential energy occurs at the greatest height above the reference point, provided the mass and the reference level remain fixed. In other potential-energy contexts, the decisive factor changes accordingly (e.g., smallest separation for electric potential energy between like charges).

FFP001 Practice Threshold Quiz 5 | LA019

Where is the potential energy the greatest?

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