Question

Derive an expression for potential energy of a body due to its position.​

Answer 1

The energy possessed by a body due to its position or configuration is called potential energy.

Consider a body of mass ‘m’ lying on the surface of the earth. Force required to lift the body is equal to its weight

∴F=mg

Let it be lifted through a height ‘h’,

The work done on the body is W=FS

W=mgh(∵S=h)

This work done is stored in the body as its potential energy,

∴Ep=mgh

i.e. Gravitational potential energy =mgh

Its unit is Joule.