Vary the sled’s height and mass. Observe the effect of each change on the potential energy of the sled. a. How does potential energy change when height is increased?
b. How does potential energy change when mass is increased?
c. Compare a sled’s potential energy at 10 m to its potential energy at 20 m. How does doubling height affect potential energy?
d. Compare the potential energy of a 100-kg sled and a 200-kg sled at the same height. How does doubling mass affect potential energy?

a. Potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

b. Potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

c. P.E₂₀ = 2 P.E₁₀

d. P.E₂₀₀ = 2 P.E₁₀₀

Explanation:

The potential energy of the sled can be given by the following:

where,

m = mass of sled

g = acceleration due to gravity

h = height of sled

a.

It is clear from the formula that potential energy of sled is directly proportional  to the height of sled.

Therefore, potential energy of the sled is increased when height of sled is increased.

b.

It is clear from the formula that potential energy of sled is directly proportional to the mass of sled.

Therefore, potential energy of the sled is increased when mass of sled is increased.

c.

P.E₂₀ = 2 P.E₁₀

d.

P.E₂₀₀ = 2 P.E₁₀₀