Is It Possible for a System to Have Negative Potential

question 51

Multiple Choice

Is it possible for a system to have negative potential energy?

• A) Yes, as long as the kinetic energy is positive.
• B) Yes, as long as the total energy is positive.
• C) Yes, since the choice of the zero of potential energy is arbitrary.
• D) No, because the kinetic energy of a system must equal its potential energy.
• E) No, because this would have no physical meaning.

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Definitions:

Output Level

The quantity of goods or services produced by a firm or economy in a given period.

External Benefits

Positive effects of a product or service that are enjoyed by people other than those who directly use or consume the product or service.

Private Benefits

The direct advantages or gains accruing to an individual or organization from their economic actions, excluding wider societal impacts.

Producer Surplus

The difference between the amount that producers are willing to accept for a good or service and the actual amount they receive in the market.