Questions: Gravitational Potential Energy: PE = mgh
3 questions to test your understanding
Score: 0 / 3
Question 1 Multiple Choice
A 3 kg book sits on a shelf 2 meters above the floor. What is its gravitational potential energy relative to the floor? (Use g = 10 m/s²)
A6 J
B30 J
C60 J
D15 J
PE = mgh = 3 × 10 × 2 = 60 J.
Question 2 True / False
Doubling the height of an object doubles its gravitational potential energy.
TTrue
FFalse
Answer: True
PE = mgh is directly proportional to height. If h doubles while m and g stay the same, PE doubles.
Question 3 Short Answer
Why does a roller coaster start by climbing to the top of the tallest hill?
Think about your answer, then reveal below.
Model answer: To store the maximum gravitational potential energy, which will be converted to kinetic energy as the coaster descends through the rest of the ride.
The initial climb gives the coaster PE = mgh. As it drops, this PE converts to KE (speed). The tallest hill provides enough energy for the entire ride.