What is gravitational potential energy?

Gravitational potential energy refers to the energy that an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field, typically related to its height above a reference point, such as the ground. This form of energy is a type of potential energy, which is energy stored within an object due to its position or arrangement. The higher an object is elevated off the ground, the greater its gravitational potential energy because it has the potential to do work due to the gravitational force acting on it.

For example, if an object is lifted to a certain height, it can potentially fall back down, converting that stored potential energy into kinetic energy as it descends. The formula for gravitational potential energy is calculated as the product of the mass of the object, the gravitational acceleration, and the height from the ground (PE = mgh). This relationship clearly illustrates how height is a crucial factor in determining gravitational potential energy.

The other options describe different forms of energy: energy of motion pertains to kinetic energy, the energy in a compressed spring relates to elastic potential energy, and energy required to elevate an object refers more to the work done against gravity rather than the energy stored as potential energy at a height.