Which equation represents gravitational potential energy?

• A. V = F d
• B. V = m g h
• C. V = 1/2 m v^2
• D. V = q V

Answer: (B)

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored because of an object's height in a gravitational field. It increases with the object's mass, the strength of gravity, and how high the object is above a chosen reference level. The standard formula is V = m g h, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. The units come out as energy (joules) since kg × m/s^2 × m = J. This energy can be converted to kinetic energy if the object falls, with the change in potential energy given by ΔU = m g Δh. The other expressions describe different ideas: force times distance is work done by a force; one-half mass times velocity squared is kinetic energy; and q V is the electric potential energy of a charge in an electric potential.