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What is an example of gravitational potential energy

Question

What is an example of gravitational potential energy

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Solution

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object as the result of its vertical position or height. The energy is stored as the result of the gravitational attraction of the Earth for the object.

For example, consider a book placed on a shelf in a library. The book has gravitational potential energy because it is elevated against gravity. If the book falls from the shelf, the gravitational potential energy will be converted to kinetic energy as the book moves faster and faster towards the ground.

Here are the steps to understand this:

  1. The book is lifted and placed on the shelf. Work is done to lift the book against gravity, and this work is stored as gravitational potential energy.

  2. The book now has the potential to do work because of its position. If the book is knocked off the shelf, this potential energy will be converted into kinetic energy.

  3. As the book falls, it accelerates due to gravity. This increases its speed and therefore its kinetic energy.

  4. When the book hits the ground, its kinetic energy is at a maximum and its gravitational potential energy is zero.

So, the book on the shelf is an example of gravitational potential energy.

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