Which expression gives the change in gravitational potential energy of an object of…

PHYSICS · Single correct · AP · Physics 1: Algebra-based · Work Energy and Power · Work Energy and Power

Problem

Which expression gives the change in gravitational potential energy

\Delta U

of an object of mass

m

lifted vertically by a distance

\Delta y

near Earth’s surface where the acceleration due to gravity

g

is approximately constant? (a)

\Delta U = -mg\,\Delta y

(b)

\Delta U = \dfrac{1}{2}mg\,\Delta y

(c)

\Delta U = mg\,\Delta y

(d)

\Delta U = -\dfrac{G m M_E}{\Delta y}