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An object's gravitational potential energy is NOT directly related to which of the following?

a. It's height relative to a reference level
b. Its mass
c. Its speed <-- correct
d. The acceleration due to gravity

User Gkubed
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2 Answers

5 votes

Explanation :

The mechanical energy is the sum of the potential energy and the kinetic energy i.e.

ME = PE + KE

Kinetic energy is due to the motion of an object.

Potential energy is possessed by an object due to its height under the action of gravity.

Mathematically, it is written as :

PE =mgh

Where

m is the mass of the object

g is acceleration due to gravity

h is the height relative to reference level.

So, an object's gravitational potential energy is NOT related to its speed.

Hence, the correct option is (c) 'Its speed'.

User Simon Elliott
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6.5k points
5 votes
The correct answer is C. Its speed

Speed is related to the kinetic energy, not the potential one because kinetic requires the body to be in motion, that is, move at a certain speed. Potential energy has no motion.
User Jsinglet
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