How is potential energy (PE) calculated?

Potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula that relates mass, gravitational acceleration, and height above a reference level. Specifically, it is given by the expression involving the mass (m) of an object, the acceleration due to gravity (g), and the height (h) of the object above a chosen reference point. The formula PE = m * g * h accurately describes how much potential energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field.

This energy is a result of the object's position and is significant especially in fields like mechanics, where it is essential to understand the conversion between potential energy and kinetic energy when objects move under the influence of gravity. For example, when an object is lifted to a height, work is done against the gravitational force, which is stored as potential energy.

The other options do not correctly represent the potential energy in a gravitational field. The formula m * v^2, for instance, relates to kinetic energy, which is about the energy of motion, not position. The expression 1/2 * m * g lacks the necessary height term and hence cannot represent potential energy. Lastly, m * h / g does not align with the standard definition of potential energy since it incorrectly rearranges the variables and