Q: If g is the acceleration due to gravity on the earth’s surface, the gain in the potential energy of an abject of mass m raised from the surface of the earth to a height equal to the radius R of the earth, is
(a) (1/2) mgR
(b) 2 mgR
(c) mgR
(d) (1/4)mgR
Ans: (a)
Sol: Gain in the potential energy
$\large \Delta U = \frac{mgh}{1+\frac{h}{R}}$
Here , h = R
$\large \Delta U = \frac{1}{2}mgh$