Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (4th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0133942651
ISBN 13: 978-0-13394-265-1

Chapter 10 - Interactions and Potential Energy - Conceptual Questions - Page 255: 10

Answer

There is not enough information.

Work Step by Step

We can apply conservation of energy: $K_i+U_i+W = K_f+U_f+\Delta E_{th}$ Since the system's potential energy decreases, $U_i \gt U_f$ Since the system does work on the environment, $W \lt 0$ Therefore, it is not clear whether $K_i = K_f$, $K_i \gt K_f$ or $K_i \lt K_f$ There is not enough information.
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