Final answer:
To calculate Maya's cat's gravitational potential energy, the equation PE = mgh should be used. This formula considers the mass, gravitational acceleration, and height climbed, measuring energy in joules.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the gravitational potential energy (PEg) of Maya's cat, the correct equation to use is PE = mgh. In this equation, m represents the mass of the cat, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s2 on Earth), and h is the height to which the cat has climbed. This allows us to determine the energy due to the cat's position in the gravitational field.
It's important to note that gravitational potential energy is measured in joules. The concept simplifies calculations because it is based on the change in vertical position, rather than accounting for specific forces or complicated paths. Thus, no matter the path the cat took to climb, the change in potential energy can be calculated using the mgh formula.