Question

In which situations is gravitational potential energy present? Check all that apply.

Answer 1

A squirrel running up towards the trunk of a tree transforms kinetic energy into gravitational potential energy. Again lifting heavyweight over one's head also requires gravitational potential energy. Pen being held above the table is another instance of Potential Energy. The person walking upstairs would also require more kinetic potential energy.

Explanation

• Gravitational potential energy is the energy that any object possesses owing to its location on the ground surface. The gravitational potential, therefore, happens to be at its maximum level for objects near the earth surface where acceleration is unchanged at 9.8 m/s^2.
• In very simple terms, Gravitational potential energy is that form of energy that is present due to the location of the specific object above the earth's surface. Further, the volume and weight of the object are also very instrumental in determining its gravitational potential energy since the more voluminous the object the greater the kinetic potential energy.
• In the above question, if the squirrel running up towards the trunk of a tree,  would require more energy to move up hence more kinetic potential energy. In the same weightlifter lifting weight above his head would require energy to lift it and hence more kinetic potential energy. Again, a person walking upstairs would require more energy which is said to be the potential kinetic energy