What potential energy does a vertically standing homogeneous column of mass m, height h have

What potential energy does a vertically standing homogeneous column of mass m, height h have, if we assume that the potential energy of a column lying on the surface of the earth is equal to 0?

The potential energy U of a body of mass m raised to a certain height h is equal to:
U = mgh (g – acceleration due to gravity).
If the body has significant dimensions, then the difference in the position of the center of mass is taken as the height of rise h.
The center of mass of a column of height h is located at a height of h / 2 above the earth’s surface.
Potential energy of a standing column relative to the ground U = mgh / 2.

Answer: U = mgh / 2.

Note. the lying post is in a horizontal position, and the standing post is in a vertical position. Does the turn affect the potential energy?

The post can be lifted in two stages: 1) it can be raised to a height of h / 2 without changing its orientation; 2) rotate the pillar relative to the center of mass.
The transfer of the column from the horizontal to the vertical position is not accompanied by the work of the forces of gravity. When one half rises, positive work is done on it by the forces of gravity, and on the other –
negative. The total work of the forces of attraction when turning is equal to zero, that is, its potential energy does not change.



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