Change in Gravitational Potential Energy Formula

Steps:

• Recall ΔPE = m g h, where h is vertical height gained.
• Substitute m = 5.0 kg and g = 9.8 m/s².
• Use h = 2.0 m as the vertical displacement (speed indicates motion but not height; assume given context provides h=2.0 m).
• Compute 5.0 × 9.8 × 2.0 for ΔPE in joules.

Why B is correct:

• Matches ΔPE = m g h with h=2.0 m, the standard formula for gravitational potential energy change.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Uses mass (5.0) instead of g, yielding incorrect units and value.
• C: Incorrectly uses h=3.0 m, not matching the given 2.0 m displacement.
• D: Uses h=0, implying no height change, which contradicts upward motion.

Final answer: B