Question

Lamar writes several equations trying to better understand potential energy.

h = d with an arrow to the equation W = F d and P E Subscript g Baseline = m g h. F Subscript g Baseline = mg with arrows to the F in W = F d and to P E Subscript g Baseline = m g h.
What conclusion is best supported by Lamar’s work?

The elastic potential energy is the same for any distance from a reference point.
The gravitational potential energy equals the work needed to lift the object.
The gravitational potential energy is the same for any distance from a reference point.
The elastic potential energy equals the work needed to stretch the object.

Answer 1

The gravitational potential energy equals the work needed to lift the object.

Reason: Substituting F = mg and d = h into W = Fd gives W = mg h, which equals PE_g = mgh.