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Which one of these graphs shows the relationship between the gravitational potential energy (gpe) of the balls and their mass when they are all at the same height? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2015 - Paper 1
Question 3
Which one of these graphs shows the relationship between the gravitational potential energy (gpe) of the balls and their mass when they are all at the same height? ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Which one of these graphs shows the relationship between the gravitational potential energy (gpe) of the balls and their mass when they are all at the same height? Put a cross (X) in the box next to your answer. - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2015 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the correct graph.
Answer
To determine the relationship between gravitational potential energy and mass, consider the formula for gravitational potential energy:
Where:
- is the mass of the ball,
- is the acceleration due to gravity (a constant), and
- is the height from which the ball is dropped (also constant across the experiment).
Since both and are constants, the gravitational potential energy will vary directly with mass. Therefore, as mass increases, gpe increases linearly.
From the provided graphs, graph 'B' represents this direct relationship, where an increase in mass corresponds to an increase in gpe.
Make a cross (X) in the box next to graph B.