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Question

Difficulty: EasyWork, Energy, and Power

A heavy boulder rests motionless on the edge of a high cliff overlooking a valley. Which form of energy does the boulder primarily possess due to its elevated position?

  1. A
    Thermal energy
  2. Gravitational potential energyAnswer
  3. C
    Kinetic energy
  4. D
    Chemical energy

Answer

Gravitational potential energy
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. Because the boulder is elevated high above the ground and held stationary, all of its mechanical energy is stored as gravitational potential energy.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the state of motion and spatial position of the object.
The boulder is motionless at an elevated height above the ground.
Identifying motion and position determines whether mechanical energy is active or stored.
2
Apply the definition of mechanical energy forms.
Energy stored by virtue of an object's height in a gravitational field is gravitational potential energy (PE=mghPE = mgh).
Stationary objects at a height possess potential energy rather than kinetic energy.

Key Concept

Gravitational Potential Energy
Estimated Time:35s
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Topics

Work, Energy, and Power

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