In which scenario is potential energy highest?

Potential energy is highest in situations where an object is positioned at a greater height relative to a reference point, typically the ground. In this scenario, the ball held at the top of a hill possesses maximum potential energy because it is elevated and has the potential to convert that energy into kinetic energy if it were to roll down the hill.

This concept is anchored in the formula for gravitational potential energy, which is expressed as (PE = mgh), where (m) is mass, (g) is the acceleration due to gravity, and (h) is the height above the reference point. Since the ball at the top of the hill has the highest height compared to the other scenarios, it stores the most potential energy.

In contrast, a ball resting on the ground has very little to no height, thus it has minimal potential energy. A ball rolling down a ramp is in the process of converting potential energy into kinetic energy, diminishing its potential as it moves down. A ball thrown into the air does have potential energy that increases as it rises; however, at the precise moment the ball is held at the top of the hill, the potential energy is at its maximum. This makes the scenario of the ball being held at the top of