Question

which object has the most gravitational potential energy? A. an 8 kg book at a height of 3m B. an 5 kg book at a height of 3 m C. A 5 kg book at a height of 2 m D. a book at a height of 2 m

Answer 1

I think A is the correct answer because its high is more higher compared to the others, and the mass really does not matter, to know the gravitational potential energy, we need to know how high the object is located because gravity does not show any favor to an object that has more mass or an object that doesnt

Answer 2

Answer: an 8 kg book at a height of 3m

Explanation:

Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object by virtue of its position.

$P.E=m\times g\times h$

m= mass of object = 200 kg

g = acceleration due to gravity = $10ms^{-2}$

h = height of an object  

1. an 8 kg book at a height of 3m

$P.E=8kg\times 10ms^{-2}\times 3m=240Joules$

2. an 5 kg book at a height of 3 m

$P.E=5kg\times 10ms^{-2}\times 3m=150Joules$

3. an 5 kg book at a height of 2 m

$P.E=5kg\times 10ms^{-2}\times 2m=100Joules$

4. a book at a height of 2 m

$P.E=0kg\times 10ms^{-2}\times 3m=0Joules$

Thus a 8 kg book at a height of 3 m has most potential energy.