Which formula describes gravitational potential energy, and what is the GPE of a 2 kg mass raised 5 m (g ≈ 9.8 m/s^2)?

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Multiple Choice

Which formula describes gravitational potential energy, and what is the GPE of a 2 kg mass raised 5 m (g ≈ 9.8 m/s^2)?

Gravitational potential energy depends on how heavy something is, the strength of gravity, and how high it is above the reference point. The correct expression is GPE = m g h. Plugging in the values: m = 2 kg, g ≈ 9.8 m/s^2, h = 5 m, so GPE = 2 × 9.8 × 5 = 98 J. This energy is stored because the mass is elevated in a gravitational field, and it would be released if the mass descended. The other forms don’t fit this situation: omitting the mass or squaring the height would give the wrong dependence on the variables and incorrect units, while leaving out g would ignore the gravitational influence.

Gravitational potential energy depends on how heavy something is, the strength of gravity, and how high it is above the reference point. The correct expression is GPE = m g h.

Plugging in the values: m = 2 kg, g ≈ 9.8 m/s^2, h = 5 m, so GPE = 2 × 9.8 × 5 = 98 J. This energy is stored because the mass is elevated in a gravitational field, and it would be released if the mass descended.

The other forms don’t fit this situation: omitting the mass or squaring the height would give the wrong dependence on the variables and incorrect units, while leaving out g would ignore the gravitational influence.

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