Question

Which object has the most gravitational potential energy?

Answer 1

Answer:

C.A 30 kg suitcase at a height of 2 m 

Explanation:

The gravitational potential energy (GPE) of an object is given by:

$U=mgh$

where

m is the mass

g is the gravitational acceleration

h is the heigth above the ground

We can use the formula to calculate the GPE of each object:

A.A 30 kg suitcase at a height of 1.5 m

$U=(30 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(1.5 m)=441 J$

B.A 20 kg suitcase at a height of 2 m

$U=(20 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(2 m)=392 J$

C.A 30 kg suitcase at a height of 2 m 

$U=(30 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(2 m)=588 J$

D.A 20 kg suitcase at a height of 1.5 m.

$U=(20 kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(1.5 m)=294 J$

So, we see that the object which has the most GPE is C.

Answer 2

PE = mgh, so you're looking for the heavier object higher up.
Multiply the given mass and height to see which is more.

A. (30)(1.5) = 45
B. (20)(2) = 40
C. (30)(2) = 60
D. (20)(1.5) = 30

So C has the most gravitational potential energy