Question

If a stone of mass $\text{'}m\text{'}$ falls a vertical distance $\text{'}d\text{'}$ the decrease in gravitational potential energy is :

• A. $mg/d$
• B. $m{g}^2/2$
• C. $mgd$
• D. $mg/d^2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C

$mgd$

Explanation for correct answer:

1. Potential energy stored in a body of mass $m$ and at height $d$ is written as $P.E.=m\times g\times d$
2. If the height of stone decreases then, the gravitational potential energy ‘decreases’.
3. When stone fall totally, then this potential energy is lost.
4. So, when object of mass $\text{'}m\text{'}$ fall vertically, then there is a decrease in potential energy which is given by $mgd.$

Thus, a stone of mass $\text{'}m\text{'}$ falls a vertical distance $\text{'}d\text{'}$ the decrease in gravitational potential energy is $mgd.$ Hence option ‘c’ is correct.