What is the formula for calculating potential energy (U) when lifting a mass?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Machines Test with comprehensive flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question is designed to provide hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to ace your Science Olympiad Machines exam!

The formula for calculating potential energy (U) when lifting a mass is expressed as U = mgh. This equation indicates that potential energy is directly proportional to the mass (m) of the object being lifted, the acceleration due to gravity (g), and the height (h) to which the object is raised.

When an object is lifted, work is done against the force of gravity, which increases the object's energy in the form of gravitational potential energy. The value of 'g' varies slightly across different locations on Earth's surface, but it is commonly approximated as 9.81 m/s². The height (h) represents how far the object is raised from its original position.

While the other options present different equations, their contexts do not apply to the calculation of gravitational potential energy when lifting an object. The option referring to kinetic energy (1/2 mv^2) pertains to the energy of an object in motion rather than energy stored due to an object's position in a gravitational field. The option mentioning mgd relates more closely to work done along a distance 'd' in a directional force scenario, not specifically to potential energy. Lastly, the equation with mg/m^2 is not dimensionally consistent and does not correctly represent any

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