Question

Gravitational potential energy is lost as objects free-fall to the ground. The higher an object is:

Option 1: The more potential energy it has
Option 2: The less potential energy it has
Option 3: The same potential energy it has
Option 4: The potential energy is not related to height

Answer 1

The gravitational potential energy of an object increases with its height. Using the formula P.E. = mgh, we understand that potential energy is higher at greater heights. During free fall, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy and other forms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gravitational potential energy is closely associated with the height of an object relative to a reference point. As an object increases in altitude, its gravitational potential energy also increases, giving us higher potential energy at greater heights. The formula P.E. = mgh defines this relationship, where 'P.E.' stands for potential energy, 'm' is the mass of the object, 'g' the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' the height above the reference point. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another, and during free fall, potential energy is converted to kinetic energy and other forms of energy, such as work against air resistance and energy used in deformation on impact.