derive an expression for the potential energy of an object of mass 'm' raised to height 'h'.
Consider an object of mass ,m. Let it be raised to point B through a height ,h from the ground . A force is required to raise the object is equal to the weight of the object ,mg. that is, F=mg.
The object gains energy equal to the work done on it . Let the work done on an object against gravity be W. That is :-
Work done, W =force * displacement
W =F *H
W =mg *H [ F=mg ]
W =mgh ..............(1)
Since ,work done on an object is equal to mgh, an energy equal to mgh units is gained by an object. This is potential energy of the object & is denoted by Ep.Thus,
Ep =W ...................(2)
from (1) &(2)
Ep = mgh
The object gains energy equal to the work done on it . Let the work done on an object against gravity be W. That is :-
Work done, W =force * displacement
W =F *H
W =mg *H [ F=mg ]
W =mgh ..............(1)
Since ,work done on an object is equal to mgh, an energy equal to mgh units is gained by an object. This is potential energy of the object & is denoted by Ep.Thus,
Ep =W ...................(2)
from (1) &(2)
Ep = mgh