A rock of mass is moved vertically in four different ways near Earth’s surface

PHYSICS · Single correct · A Level · Physics · Mechanics and materials · Mechanics and materials

Problem

A rock of mass

m

is moved vertically in four different ways near Earth’s surface. Gravitational potential energy is taken to be zero at the rock’s initial height, and

\Delta U

denotes the change in potential energy in each situation. (a)

\Delta U_3 > \Delta U_1 > \Delta U_2 > \Delta U_4

(b)

\Delta U_4 > \Delta U_1 > \Delta U_2 > \Delta U_3

(c)

\Delta U_1 > \Delta U_3 > \Delta U_2 > \Delta U_4

(d)

\Delta U_1 > \Delta U_3 > \Delta U_4 > \Delta U_2