Question

Explain by an example what is meant by the potential energy write down the expression for gravitational potential energy of a body of mass m placed at a height h above the surface of the earth

Answer 1

Potential energy is the energy possessed by the virtue of position and configuration(shape and size).

P.E.= mgh

here g is accerelation due to gravity.

h is the vertical height from the ground.

m is the mass of object.

i hope it will help.

Answer 2

Gravitational potential energy is energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field.

PE = mgh

Ub - Ua = -GMm [1/ra - 1/rb]

    rb = infinity

    Ub - Ua = U

    Ub = 0  at  rb = infinity

    ra = r

U = -GMm [1/r - 1/infinity]

      => U = -GMm/r