Gravitational Potential energy on an incline

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Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where g remains constant at 9.8 m/s² regardless of the ramp's angle. The potential energy is solely dependent on the height difference (h2 - h1) between the starting and ending points, not the incline itself. Whether an object is lifted vertically or moved up an incline, the change in potential energy is the same as long as the height is consistent. The angle of the ramp does not affect the value of g in this context. Understanding that potential energy is tied to height rather than the path taken is crucial for physics concepts relevant to the MCAT.
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Hello all, I'm new to the forum here and desperately need some help in some basic physics concepts that I need to have a firm grasp on for the MCAT.

My question is about PE on an inclined plane. For example, there are 3 possible scenarios (the height and mass remains the same for each scenario). Scenario 1 has a ramp angled at 30, scenario 2 has a ramp angled at 60, and the last scenario has no ramp at all- the person must lift it from the ground to the desired height.

What I am asking is that when PE (or U)= mgh, does g remain the same at 9.8m/s^2 or is it affected by the angle of the ramp, ie gsin30? And could you please explain why?

I know when you solve for acceleration in an unrelated problem to PE you do, but I'm not sure about for just when solving for PE.

Thanks!
 
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potential energy only depends on the height, mgh. whatever the difference in height at the start and end, mg(h2-h1) will be the change in potential energy, either becoming kinetic (rolling down) or becoming potential (going up ramp). the potential has nothing to do with the ramp, only the change in height. g never changes
 

Thread 'Mousetrap Car Energy efficiency'

For simple comparison, I think the same thought process can be followed as a block slides down a hill, - for block down hill, simple starting PE of mgh to final max KE 0.5mv^2 - comparing PE1 to max KE2 would result in finding the work friction did through the process. efficiency is just 100*KE2/PE1. If a mousetrap car travels along a flat surface, a starting PE of 0.5 k th^2 can be measured and maximum velocity of the car can also be measured. If energy efficiency is defined by...
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