Flashcard 18 - Physics Flashcard Set for the HESI Exam

at the highest point before it is dropped

Gravitational potential energy (\(PE\)) is given by the equation \(PE = mgh\), where \(m\) is the mass, \(g\) is the gravitational acceleration, and \(h\) is the height. The potential energy is greatest when the height is at its maximum, which is right before the ball is released. As the ball falls, its potential energy converts into kinetic energy. The potential energy becomes zero the moment the ball reaches the ground.