Final answer:
Two common boundary conditions when discussing gravitational potential energy are zero potential energy at a convenient point and constant potential energy near Earth's surface.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing gravitational potential energy, two common boundary conditions that are often set include:
- Zero potential energy at a convenient point: In this case, a specific point is chosen as the reference level where the potential energy is set to zero. This makes it easier to calculate potential energy differences.
- Constant potential energy near Earth's surface: Near the surface of the Earth, the potential energy due to gravity is considered to be constant. This allows for simplified calculations.