Gravitational Potential Energy: Practice Problem & Solution

Solution Explained:

To solve this problem, we apply the core principles of Gravitational Potential Energy. Understanding the underlying formula is key to arriving at the correct answer below:

Change in potential energy $\Delta U = \frac{mgh}{1+h/R}$. For $h = 2R$, $\Delta U = \frac{mg(2R)}{1+2} = \frac{2}{3}mgR$.