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: 2

Answer

Kinetic energy can never be negative. Gravitational potential energy can be negative.

Work Step by Step

Kinetic energy is the energy related to an object's motion. If an object is moving, then the kinetic energy is positive. If an object is not moving, then the kinetic energy is zero. Since these are the only two possibilities, kinetic energy can never be negative. Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's position relative to a position where the gravitational potential energy is zero. Since an object can be closer or farther from the zero position, it is possible for gravitational potential energy to be positive, zero, or negative.
Update this answer!

You can help us out by revising, improving and updating this answer.

Update this answer

After you claim an answer you’ll have 24 hours to send in a draft. An editor will review the submission and either publish your submission or provide feedback.