Question detail
What is the equation used to calculate the change in gravitational potential energy?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Energy changes in a system, and the ways energy is stored before and after such changes
Question
- A. Ep = m x g x h
- B. Ek = 0.5 x m x v^2
- C. Ee = 0.5 x k x e^2
- D. P = W / t
Answer
Ep = m x g x h
Explanation
The equation Ep = m x g x h calculates the change in gravitational potential energy, where m is mass, g is gravitational field strength, and h is height.
Common mistake
Confusing gravitational potential energy with kinetic energy
Students often think that when an object falls, the energy it has is still gravitational potential energy rather than kinetic energy
Explain that as the object falls, gravitational potential energy is converted into kinetic energy; at the moment of impact the energy is predominantly kinetic, with potential energy reduced to zero
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