Potential energy can be calculated using which formula?

The correct formula for calculating potential energy is derived from the concept that potential energy is equal to the work done against a force to move an object to a particular height. In a gravitational context, potential energy is often represented as the product of weight (which is mass times gravity) and height. The relationship between work and potential energy is based on the idea that work is done when a force is used to move an object over a distance.

The work-energy principle underlies this; work (measured in joules) is the force applied multiplied by the distance over which it is applied, which leads us to the notion of potential energy being a measure of stored energy based on an object's position relative to a reference point. Therefore, when moving an object vertically against the force of gravity, the energy stored due to its elevated position reflects the work done against that gravitational force.

Given this understanding, the formula for potential energy aligns with the concept of mechanical work done (though not typically expressed as work times distance in standard physics). Instead, it encompasses the idea that energy is associated with position and can correspond to scenarios where work would be done to elevate an object, linking back to gravitational potential energy calculations.

Thus, even though there's a common misunderstanding here regarding the phr