Maximal potential energy occurs at the highest points of COM at approximately what points?

Maximal potential energy occurs at the highest points of COM at approximately what points?

• A. 0% and 100%
• B. 5% and 55%
• C. 30% and 80%
• D. 10% and 60%

Answer: (C)

Potential energy is determined by the height of the center of mass; it peaks whenever the COM is at its highest. In this motion, the COM reaches two highest points per cycle, occurring roughly at 30% and 80% of the cycle. Those are the moments when maximal potential energy is present. The start and end of the cycle (0% and 100%) are not the highest positions, and the other percentages do not correspond to the two peak heights.

Potential energy is determined by the height of the center of mass; it peaks whenever the COM is at its highest. In this motion, the COM reaches two highest points per cycle, occurring roughly at 30% and 80% of the cycle. Those are the moments when maximal potential energy is present. The start and end of the cycle (0% and 100%) are not the highest positions, and the other percentages do not correspond to the two peak heights.