Two bodies A and B of equal masses are kept at heights of $h$ and $2h$ respectively. What will be the ratio of their potential energies?

Let $m$ be the mass of the two bodies. 

As given, heights of the bodies A and B are $h$ and $2h$

We know the formula for potential energy $U=mgh$

Potential energy of body A $=mgh$   [$g$ is gravitational acceleration]

Potential energy of body B $=mg(2h)=2mgh$      [as body B is kept on $2h$ height]

Therefore, the ratio of the potential energies of the bodies A and body B $=\frac{U_A}{U_B}$

$=\frac{mgh}{2mgh}$

$=\frac{1}{2}$

$=1:2$

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Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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