a 1 kg book sits on a shelf 1 m off the ground. What is the gravitational potential energy

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy is mass times distance times the acceleration of gravity.

In simple terms it is

m * g * h

or

mgh

When m = 1

h = 1

g = 9.8

The gravitational potential energy is 9.8 J.

J = Joules (unit of energy)