Two identical masses are placed at heights h and 2h, the ratio of gravitational potential energies will be:
Correct answer: A. 1:2
- A. 1:2
- B. 2:1
- C. equal
- D. dependent on mass
Explanation
Gravitational potential energy is mgh, so for identical masses it is proportional to height, and heights h and 2h give a ratio of 1 to 2. The ratio does not depend on mass because the masses are the same, and 2 to 1 reverses it.
This question appeared on the UHS MDCAT 2026 paper, which you can sit online with every answer explained.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
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.
Practise Work and Energy
750 free Work and Energy MCQs from Physics, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Physics questions like this
Physics is on 16 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Potential Energy questions
A boy raises an object of mass 10Kg vertically above his head through a height of 5m. The potential energy stored in the body is:_
Two blocks "A" and "B" having masses 3kg and 4kg are raised to the same height from earth surface. The ratio of gravitational potential of "A" to that of "B" is
Two springs A and B (kA =2kB ) are stretched by applying forces of equal magnitudes at the four ends. If the energy stored in A is E, then in B is (assume equilibrium):
The value of work done by the spring force may be: