What is the energy called that is stored in a gravitational field when an object is moved upwards?

What is the energy called that is stored in a gravitational field when an object is moved upwards?

• A. Potential energy
• B. Gravitational potential energy
• C. Kinetic energy
• D. Thermal energy

Answer: (B)

When an object is moved upwards in a gravitational field, work is done against the force of gravity. This work done on the object is stored as energy in the gravitational field, specifically referred to as gravitational potential energy. The term "potential energy" can describe several forms of stored energy, but in this context, it's important to specify that it is gravitational potential energy, as it specifically refers to the energy associated with an object's position in a gravitational field. This energy is calculated using the formula \( U = mgh \), where \( U \) is the gravitational potential energy, \( m \) is the mass of the object, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above a reference point. This underscores the correct identification of the stored energy as gravitational potential energy rather than just potential energy or any other forms of energy like kinetic or thermal energy.

When an object is moved upwards in a gravitational field, work is done against the force of gravity. This work done on the object is stored as energy in the gravitational field, specifically referred to as gravitational potential energy. The term "potential energy" can describe several forms of stored energy, but in this context, it's important to specify that it is gravitational potential energy, as it specifically refers to the energy associated with an object's position in a gravitational field. This energy is calculated using the formula ( U = mgh ), where ( U ) is the gravitational potential energy, ( m ) is the mass of the object, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height above a reference point. This underscores the correct identification of the stored energy as gravitational potential energy rather than just potential energy or any other forms of energy like kinetic or thermal energy.