(For all problems: g is constant, with magnitude 9.81 m/s2.) For any mass m, whi

Question

(For all problems: g is constant, with magnitude 9.81 m/s2.)

For any mass m, which statement about its potential energy U, kinetic energy K and total mechanical energy Etot is true?

a. K and Etot must be positive or zero; U can be negative

b. K, U and Etot must all be positive or zero

c. K must be positive or zero; U and Etot can be negative

d. K, U and Etot can all be negative

e. K and U must be positive or zero; Etot can be negative

f. U must be positive or zero; K and Etot can be negative

g. U and Etot must be positive or zero; K can be negative

h. Etot must be positive or zero; K and U can be negative

Explanation / Answer

In this system we realize kinetic energy must be positive otherwise that would mean there is no movement. and since the velocity is squared it has to be positive. potential energy and the total energy can be negative. If potential energy is greater than kinetic energy then the total energy can be negative. So choice c, is the answer

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