Which of the following is the correct equation for the gravitational potential energy of an object near Earth's surface?

• A. $K=\frac{1}{2}m{v}^2$
• B. $U=mgh$
• C. $U=mg$
• D. $U=mv$

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the physical quantity in question: gravitational potential energy (GPE) near Earth's surface.
2. Recall the general formula for gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface, which depends on the object's mass (m), gravitational acceleration (g), and height (h) above a reference point.
3. Write down the formula for gravitational potential energy: \(U = m \times g \times h\).
4. Compare this formula with the options given: the correct one must include mass, gravitational acceleration, and height, not velocity or just mass and gravity alone.
5. Conclude that the correct equation for gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface is \(U = mgh\).