Gravitational potential energy on top of apartment building

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SUMMARY

Gravitational potential energy (PE) increases with height above the Earth's surface, as defined by the equation PE = MGH, where M is mass, G is the acceleration due to gravity, and H is height. A cup of water on the 10th floor possesses greater gravitational potential energy than the same cup at ground level due to its increased height. The potential energy is determined by the height of the water relative to the ground, not the distance it would fall if poured.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational potential energy concepts
  • Familiarity with the equation PE = MGH
  • Basic knowledge of mass and gravitational acceleration
  • Concept of height in relation to energy calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of gravitational potential energy in real-world scenarios
  • Explore the relationship between height and potential energy in various contexts
  • Investigate energy conservation principles in physics
  • Learn about kinetic energy and its relationship to potential energy
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching energy concepts, and anyone interested in understanding gravitational effects on objects at different heights.

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Homework Statement


My question is, if your at the top of an apartment building, maybe the 10th floor, and you have a cup of water in your hand or on the table. Does the water have a higher gravitational potential energy than a cup of water at ground level?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


what I know is the higher up from the Earth's surface the higher the potential energy. But if the water poured out of the cup to the floor it would travel a short distance compared to if you poured it out the window and it traveled to the ground 10 floors down. So is the energy the height of the water in the air or the distance travelled.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
yes.

PE= MGH

so the higher you are relative the ground the higher the potentian energy
 

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