Comparing Gravitational Potential Energy: Which Object Holds the Most?

Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass, the height at which it is held, and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula for gravitational potential energy is: \[ PE = mgh \] where: - \( PE \) is the gravitational potential energy, - \( m \) is the mass of the object, - \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth), - \( h \) is the height above the reference point. Given the options: 1. A bowling ball held shoulder high 2. A baseball held shoulder high 3. A baseball held waist high 4. A bowling ball held waist high A bowling ball is significantly more massive than a baseball. Holding the object at shoulder height means it is held higher compared to waist height. Therefore, considering both mass and height: - A bowling ball held shoulder high has more mass than a baseball and is at a greater height compared to the waist. Based on these factors, the object with the most gravitational potential energy would be: **A bowling ball held shoulder high.**