What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy is a measure of the energy stored in an object as a result of its position in a gravitational field. The correct formula states that gravitational potential energy (PE) is equal to the mass of the object (m) multiplied by the gravitational acceleration (g), which is approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth, and then multiplied by the height (h) above a reference point.

This formula reflects the fact that an object's potential energy increases with either an increase in mass, an increase in height, or an increase in the strength of the gravitational field. Each of these factors directly contributes to the amount of energy stored due to the object's position.

For example, if you lift a heavy book to a higher shelf, the potential energy increases because both the mass of the book and the height it is lifted contribute to this energy. Thus, the relationship is linear; if either mass or height doubles, the gravitational potential energy doubles as well, illustrating the importance of both terms in the formula.

The other options misinterpret how gravitational potential energy is calculated. Some confuse addition and division in their formulations, which do not correctly represent how mass, gravitational acceleration, and height interact to determine potential energy.