When does an object experience maximum gravitational potential energy?

An object experiences maximum gravitational potential energy when it is at its maximum height above the ground. This is due to the relationship between gravitational potential energy and height, which is defined by the formula:

[ PE = mgh ]

where ( PE ) is the gravitational potential energy, ( m ) is the mass of the object, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height of the object above a reference point (typically the ground).

As an object is raised higher, the height ( h ) increases, thus directly increasing the gravitational potential energy. At maximum height, the object has reached its greatest distance from the ground, leading to the highest possible value of ( PE ).

When the object is in motion at maximum speed, its kinetic energy is at its peak, not its gravitational potential energy. While being at rest on a flat surface may lead to some gravitational potential energy, it is not at its maximum if there are higher heights available. Lastly, having the least mass possible does not increase potential energy; instead, it decreases it according to the formula. Therefore, maximum gravitational potential energy is indeed when an object is at its maximum height above the ground.