Write an expression for the potential energy of a body of mass m placed at a height h above the earth’s surface. State the assumptions made, if any.
Write an expression for the potential energy of a body of mass m placed at a height h above the earth’s surface. State the assumptions made, if any.

Solutions:

W = force of gravity (mg) displacement (h) = mgh The work done on the body while elevating it to a height h is W = force of gravity (mg) displacement (h) = mgh

When the body is at a height h, this work is stored in the form of gravitational potential energy.

U = mgh = gravitational potential energy