Which formula represents gravitational potential energy?

Which formula represents gravitational potential energy?

• A. PE = mv^2
• B. PE = mgh
• C. PE = Fd
• D. PE = \frac{1}{2}mv^2

Answer: (B)

Gravitational potential energy is defined as the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula that represents this concept is expressed as PE = mgh, where PE stands for potential energy, m represents the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² near the surface of the Earth), and h is the height above a reference point, typically ground level. This formula captures the relationship between an object's mass and its height in a gravitational field. As either the mass of the object or its height increases, the gravitational potential energy increases proportionally. This makes it clear why the chosen formula accurately describes gravitational potential energy. The other formulas represent different forms of energy or physical concepts. For instance, PE = mv² does not conform to gravitational potential energy; instead, it seems to be incorrectly aligned since it lacks the height factor. The formula PE = Fd relates to work done against a force, while PE = \(\frac{1}{2}mv^2\) represents kinetic energy, the energy of an object in motion. Thus, the correct context for gravitational potential energy is succinctly captured in the formula PE = mgh.

Gravitational potential energy is defined as the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula that represents this concept is expressed as PE = mgh, where PE stands for potential energy, m represents the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² near the surface of the Earth), and h is the height above a reference point, typically ground level.

This formula captures the relationship between an object's mass and its height in a gravitational field. As either the mass of the object or its height increases, the gravitational potential energy increases proportionally. This makes it clear why the chosen formula accurately describes gravitational potential energy.

The other formulas represent different forms of energy or physical concepts. For instance, PE = mv² does not conform to gravitational potential energy; instead, it seems to be incorrectly aligned since it lacks the height factor. The formula PE = Fd relates to work done against a force, while PE = (\frac{1}{2}mv^2) represents kinetic energy, the energy of an object in motion. Thus, the correct context for gravitational potential energy is succinctly captured in the formula PE = mgh.