The potential energy of a child (or any object) is determined by its height in a gravitational field. The greater the height, the greater the potential energy, which can be expressed by the formula:
\[ PE = mgh \]
where:
- \( PE \) is the potential energy,
- \( m \) is the mass of the child,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately \( 9.81 , \text{m/s}^2 \) on Earth),
- \( h \) is the height above a reference point (usually the ground).
Thus, a child has the greatest potential energy when they are at the highest point they can reach. For example, if a child is on a swing, climbing a playground structure, or at the top of a slide, their potential energy will be maximized at that highest position. Conversely, as they descend, their height decreases and so does their potential energy.
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