Question

If the mass of the body is halved, its potential energy becomes ________.

• A. half
• B. double
• C. four times
• D. one fourth

Answer 1

The correct option is A

half

1. Potential energy is defined as the energy possessed by a body on account of its position or configuration.
   Mathematical expression for potential energy,
   $\mathrm{P}.\mathrm{E}.=\mathrm{m}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{h}$
2. As given, let $\mathrm{m}\text{'}=\frac{\mathrm{m}}{2}$
3. New potential energy, $\mathrm{P}.\mathrm{E}.\text{'}=\frac{\mathrm{m}}{2}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{g}\mathrm{x}\mathrm{h}=\frac{\mathrm{P}.\mathrm{E}.}{2}$
4. Potential energy reduces by half of its value.
5. Hence, option (a) half is selected.