7 What is the potential energy of a 3 kg ball that is on the ground?

The potential energy (PE) of an object is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.81 m/s²), and h is the height in meters above a reference point, typically the ground. Since the ball is on the ground, the height (h) is 0 meters. Thus, the potential energy of the 3 kg ball is PE = 3 kg × 9.81 m/s² × 0 m = 0 joules. The ball's potential energy is zero because it’s not elevated above the ground! Now, if we imagine this ball being tossed upwards, its potential energy would start to rise as it gains height. The higher it goes, the more potential energy it accumulates until it reaches its peak. At that point, all that kinetic energy from the throw has been converted into potential energy—the perfect moment for a slow-motion replay!