The total mechanical energy is kinetic energy + potential energy, so we can look at the object's potential energy to determine the place where it has maximum and minimum kinetic energy.
Potential energy is determined by the equation PE = mgh, where the height is the only changing variable here. Therefore, we look at the height to answer these questions.
Which point on the graph would have the most kinetic energy?
- The point where the object's potential energy is the lowest, aka where its height is the lowest. Point D would have the most kinetic energy.
Which point on the graph would have the least kinetic energy?
- The point where the object's potential energy is the highest, aka where its height is the highest. Point A would have the least kinetic energy.
What point on the graph would have just a little less potential energy than point E?
- Look at the point that is just below point E. Point D has just a little less potential energy than point E.
What point on the graph would have just a little more potential energy than point F?
- Look at the point that is just above point F. Point B has just a little more potential energy than point F.
What point on the graph would have just a little less potential energy than point G?
- Look at the point that is just below point G. Point B has just a little less potential energy than point E.
