"Sky-High Gravitational Potential: Which Object Holds More Energy?"

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is given by the formula: \[ \text{GPE} = mgh \] where \( m \) is the mass of the object, \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) is the height above the ground. To determine which object has the most gravitational potential energy, we need to consider both the mass and the height of each object: - A bowling ball typically has more mass than a baseball. - Shoulder high is higher than waist high. Given these factors, let's compare: a. A bowling ball held shoulder high - High mass, greater height b. A baseball held shoulder high - Lower mass, greater height c. A bowling ball held waist high - High mass, but lower height d. A baseball held waist high - Lower mass, lower height From these comparisons, the object with both high mass and greater height will have the most gravitational potential energy. Therefore, the correct answer is: a. A bowling ball held shoulder high