What is the change in potential energy if a block is moved from a table to the floor, given specific potential energy values?

When a block is moved from a table to the floor, its change in potential energy can be described by considering the gravitational force acting on it. The potential energy (U) of an object at a height ( h ) above a reference point is given by the equation ( U = mgh ), where ( m ) is the mass of the block, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height above the reference point.

As the block is lowered from the table to the floor, it descends a height ( h ). If we define the potential energy at the table height as ( mgh ), then at the floor, the height is zero, resulting in a potential energy of zero.

The change in potential energy (ΔU) during this transition from the table to the floor is calculated as follows:

[ \Delta U = U_{\text{final}} - U_{\text{initial}} = 0 - mgh = -mgh ]

This indicates that the potential energy decreases as the block moves downward, and this decrease is reflected as a negative change in potential energy. Therefore, the correct conclusion is that moving the block downwards leads to a change