When work is done in lifting an object, what type of energy is being increased?

When work is done in lifting an object, gravitational potential energy is increased because the height of the object relative to a reference point (often the ground) is increased. As the object is raised, work must be applied against the force of gravity, which transfers energy to the object in the form of potential energy. This energy depends on both the mass of the object and the height it is lifted, following the relationship ( \text{Potential Energy} = mgh ), where ( m ) is mass, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height above the reference point.

The increase in gravitational potential energy is a direct result of the lifting process, and this energy is stored in the object as it gains height. When the object is eventually released or falls, this stored gravitational potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy as it accelerates downward, but during the lifting itself, it is the gravitational potential energy that is being increased.