Final answer:
The gravitational potential energy equation is GPE = mgh; it quantifies the energy an object gains when raised to a height h and is central to physics calculations involving work done against gravity. Therefore, the correct answer is option 1) GPE = mgh
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation that represents gravitational potential energy (GPE) is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth, but often rounded to 10 m/s² for simpler calculations), and h is the height above a reference level in meters.
The calculated GPE is measured in joules. This formula simplifies the process of calculating the work done against gravity when an object is raised to a height h and is very broadly applicable in physics problems.
The equation that represents gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass in kg, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height in meters.
This equation shows that the gravitational potential energy depends on the mass of the object, the acceleration due to gravity, and the height it is lifted through.
Therefore, the correct answer is option 1) GPE = mgh