Question

What does the "h" in the gravitational potential energy formula represent? Answer this question by filling in the blanks:
H is the ________________ from ______________ .
​       (what is it?)        (measured from where?)
What does the "x" in the potential energy formula for a spring represent? Answer this question by filling in the blanks:

X is the ________________ from ______________ .
​   (what is it?)        (measured from where?)

Answer 1

h in a gravatational potential energy represents the height of a body from the surface of an earth

potential energy u = mgh

in spring mass system x represents the deformation of the spring either positive or negative

spring potential enregy u = 1/2kx^2

x is measured from the mean or equilibrium position