Question

A pole vaulter runs forward, plants his pole, rises in the air and lands. What point represents his greatest amount of gravitational potential energy?

Answer 1

Answer: C on USA Test Prep

just before he starts to fall to the ground

Answer 2

At the maximum height of the vault

Step-by-step explanation:

The formula for gravitational energy (GPE) is

GPE = mgh, where

m = the pole vaulter's mass

g = the acceleration due to gravity

h = the height above the ground

Since m and g are constant,

GPE ∝ h

The point of highest GPE is at the maximum height of the vault, just before he starts falling towards the ground.