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A body is thrown vertically upwards and then falls back on the ground. Its potential energy is maximum
Explanation
Gravitational potential energy (PE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to a reference point, typically the Earth's surface [t3][t6]. It is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where 'm' is mass, 'g' is acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is height [t3]. When a body is thrown vertically upwards, its kinetic energy is gradually converted into potential energy as its height increases [t4]. At the maximum height, the object's velocity momentarily becomes zero, meaning its kinetic energy is zero and its potential energy is at its maximum value [c1][t1]. Conversely, at the ground level (h=0), the potential energy is zero, and the energy is entirely kinetic [t2][t4]. Therefore, the potential energy reaches its peak at the highest point of the trajectory before the object begins its return journey [c1][t4].
Sources
- [1] Science ,Class VIII . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 5: Exploring Forces > Activity 5.8: Let us observe > p. 72