Which formula defines gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface?

• A. PE = m h / g
• B. PE = 1/2 m v^2
• C. PE = m g^2 h
• D. PE = m g h

Answer: (D)

Gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface comes from height in a nearly uniform gravitational field. When you lift a mass m by a height h, the energy stored is proportional to both mass and height, with the proportionality constant g, the acceleration due to gravity. The standard near-Earth formula is PE = m g h, and g is about 9.8 m/s^2. This means energy increases as you rise higher, and the zero level is set at whatever reference height you choose.

For example, lifting a 2 kg mass by 3 meters gives PE ≈ 2 × 9.8 × 3 ≈ 58.8 joules.

The other forms don’t describe gravitational potential energy: PE = m h / g would have the wrong units for energy; PE = 1/2 m v^2 is kinetic energy, not potential; PE = m g^2 h includes an extra g factor and isn’t correct.