HESI Exams Quizlet Physics Related

Review HESI Exams Quizlet Physics related questions and content

Why does potential energy increase as particles approach each other?

  • A. Attractive forces increase.
  • B. Attractive forces decrease.
  • C. Repulsive forces increase.
  • D. Repulsive forces decrease.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Repulsive forces increase. As particles approach each other, the distance between them decreases, causing the repulsive forces between the particles to increase. This increase in repulsive forces leads to an increase in potential energy as the particles resist being pushed closer together. Choices A and B are incorrect because attractive forces do not increase or decrease in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect because repulsive forces actually increase as particles get closer, leading to a rise in potential energy.