Gravitational potential energy gain formula

Steps:

• Identify the formula for gain in gravitational potential energy: ΔPE = mgh.
• Substitute given values: mass m = 100 kg, height h = 50 m, g = 10 m/s².
• Compute: ΔPE = 100 × 10 × 50 = 50,000 J.
• Compare to choices: 50,000 J matches option C.

Why C is correct:

• It equals mgh, the standard formula for gravitational potential energy change based on vertical height.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Uses h = 5 m instead of 50 m, underestimating height by factor of 10.
• B: Calculates mgh with horizontal distance 200 m, ignoring vertical rise.
• D: Multiplies mgh by 4, possibly confusing with total energy or incline length squared.

Final answer: C