How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

• A. PE = mg/h
• B. PE = mgh
• C. PE = mgh²
• D. PE = mg + h

Answer: (B)

Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where PE represents the gravitational potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth), and h is the height of the object above a reference point (typically ground level). This formula arises from the work done against the force of gravity when lifting an object to a certain height. To understand this, consider the definition of work, which is the force applied over a distance. In this case, the force is the weight of the object, which is calculated as the mass (m) times the gravitational acceleration (g). As you lift the object to height (h), the work done, which translates to the gravitational potential energy, is the force of gravity multiplied by the height to which the object is raised. Thus, mgh effectively gives the energy stored due to its position in a gravitational field.

Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where PE represents the gravitational potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth), and h is the height of the object above a reference point (typically ground level).

This formula arises from the work done against the force of gravity when lifting an object to a certain height. To understand this, consider the definition of work, which is the force applied over a distance. In this case, the force is the weight of the object, which is calculated as the mass (m) times the gravitational acceleration (g). As you lift the object to height (h), the work done, which translates to the gravitational potential energy, is the force of gravity multiplied by the height to which the object is raised. Thus, mgh effectively gives the energy stored due to its position in a gravitational field.