Question

Which of the following is true?

(a) Potential energy decreases as altitude increases

(b) Potential energy increases as altitude increases

(c) Potential energy first increases and then decreases as altitude increases

(d) Potential energy first decreases and then increases as altitude increases

The question was asked in a national level competition.

My enquiry is from Potential Energy topic in division Work, Energy and Power of Physics – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct choice is (b) Potential energy increases as altitude increases

The explanation: As altitude increases potential energy increases. From the equation of potential energy (PE);

PE = m x g x h

We can see that the potential energy is directly proportional to height. Hence the statement is justified.