What is the formula for potential energy?

The formula for potential energy, specifically gravitational potential energy, is given by the product of mass, gravitational field strength, and height. This reflects the energy stored in an object due to its position above the ground.

Gravitational potential energy can be expressed as:

[ \text{Potential Energy} = m \times g \times h ]

where:

• ( m ) is the mass of the object (in kilograms),
• ( g ) is the gravitational field strength (approximately ( 9.8 , \text{N/kg} ) near the Earth's surface), and
• ( h ) is the height above a reference point (usually taken as ground level).

This formula demonstrates that potential energy increases with greater mass, higher elevation, or stronger gravitational forces. Consequently, as any of these factors increase, the potential energy of the object also increases.

Other options do not accurately represent the concept of gravitational potential energy. For example, mass multiplied by velocity and height combines unrelated concepts, while mass multiplied by acceleration does not relate directly to potential energy in this context. Similarly, the force multiplied by height equation does not reflect the correct components that define potential energy in a gravitational field. Thus, the chosen answer correctly encompasses the relationship