Question

if two objects attract each other and a student pulls them farther apart, what must be true if the potential energy goes up?
a force pushed the objects closer together
a force moved the objects apart against the attraction
no energy was transferred, but the diagram changed
kinetic energy was added to keep them from moving

Explanation:

When two attracting objects are pulled apart and potential energy increases, work must be done against the attractive force. This work transfers energy to the system, increasing its potential energy. Analyzing the options:

• Option A is incorrect because the objects are pulled apart, not pushed closer.
• Option C is incorrect because energy is transferred to increase potential energy.
• Option D is incorrect because kinetic energy is not involved in keeping stationary objects apart; the work done against attraction increases potential energy.
• Option B correctly states that the objects were moved apart against their attractive force, which is the cause of the potential energy increase.

Answer:

B. A force moved the objects apart against the attraction