Question

Two bodies of equal masses are places at heights $h$ and $2h$. The ratio of their gravitational potential energies is:

• A. $1$
• B. $2$
• C. $\frac{1}{2}$
• D. $\frac{1}{4}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $\frac{1}{2}$

Given, $m_1=m_2=m,$ say.

And, $h_1=h,h_2=2h$

$U_1=m_{1}g{h}_1=mgh$

$U_2=m_{2}g{h}_2=mg\times 2h=2mgh$

$\therefore$ $\frac{U_1}{U_2}=\frac{mgh}{2mgh}=\frac{1}{2}$