Question

What happens to the potential energy of a body if its height is doubled.

Answer 1

Definition of potential energy:

1. The energy possessed by a body on account of its position or configuration, is called potential energy.

Mathematical expression for potential energy:

$$\begin{gathered} PotentialEnergy=mass\times accelerationduetogravity\times height \\ \therefore P.E.=m\times g\times h \end{gathered}$$

Explanation-

1. We know, $P.E=m\times g\times h$
2. $\therefore P.E\propto h$
3. According to the question.

New$P.E=m\times g\times \left(2h\right)=2(m\times g\times h)=2\times P.E$

So, when height doubles potential energy also doubles.