Which scenario generates the most gravitational potential energy?

Question

Read each scenario and then answer the question.
Scenario A: A 6-kg bucket is raised a distance of 6 m.
Scenario B: A 9-kg bucket is raised a distance of 5 m.
Scenario C: A 12-kg bucket is raised a distance of 4 m.
Scenario D: A 15-kg bucket is raised a distance of 3 m.

Which scenario generates the most gravitational potential energy?

Answer 1

U = mgh

 

Just look at the product mh, since the same g appears in all the U's.  The higher mh, the higher U.  You are given all the masses and heights.  Multiply each mass by its height, and the highest mh value corresponds to highest U.