Asked in Premeth MDCAT 2025 — Work and Energy, Atomic Structure, Nouns 2025Moderate

As we move up a body, above the surface of Earth, the change in potential energy will always be:

Correct answer: C. Positive

  • A. Negative
  • B. Zero
  • C. Positive
  • D. Infinity

Explanation

Option C is correct.The change in potential energy is positive when we move a body upward above the surface of the Earth. This is because the potential energy of an object is given by the formula:PE=mgh\text{PE} = mghPE=mghwhere:PE is the potential energy of the object,m is the mass of the object,g is the acceleration due to gravity, andh is the height of the object above the reference point.As we move an object upward, its height h increases. This leads to an increase in potential energy. Therefore, the change in potential energy is positive. Potential energy itself can be zero or even negative depending on the chosen reference level, but in this context, when we raise an object higher, its gravitational potential energy increase

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About Potential Energy

Potential energy is energy stored because of position or configuration, including gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface and elastic energy in a stretched or compressed spring. Questions use changes in potential energy and conservation of mechanical energy, while distinguishing a chosen reference level from an absolute zero of energy.

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