Introduction to Gravitational Potential Energy with Zero Line Examples

The video tutorial explains gravitational potential energy, represented by PE or U with a subscript g. It covers the formula mgh, where m is mass, g is gravity, and h is height. The concept of the horizontal zero line is crucial for determining potential energy, which can be positive, negative, or zero based on the object's position relative to this line. The tutorial emphasizes the importance of setting the horizontal zero line and concludes with a discussion on units of measurement, highlighting that gravitational potential energy is measured in joules.

What is the symbol for gravitational potential energy?

• KE with a subscript of g

• PE with a subscript of k

• PE with a subscript of g

• KE with a subscript of k

Which of the following is true about gravitational potential energy when an object is lifted?

• It remains constant

• It becomes zero

• It increases

• It decreases

What happens to gravitational potential energy if the horizontal zero line is set above the object?

• It becomes positive

• It becomes negative

• It remains zero

• It doubles

Who decides the location of the horizontal zero line in a problem?

• The object in question

• The person solving the problem

• The textbook

• The teacher

Why is it important not to move the horizontal zero line during a problem?

• It is a rule of physics

• It simplifies calculations

• It ensures consistency

• It makes the problem easier

What is the unit of gravitational potential energy?

• Joules

• Newtons

• Meters per second squared

• Watts

Gravitational potential energy is classified as which type of quantity?

• Scalar

• Vector

• Matrix

• Tensor