Question

Why is the gravitational potential energy of an object 1 meter above the moon’s surface less than its potential energy 1 meter above Earth’s surface?

A. The object’s mass is less on the moon.
B. The object’s weight is more on the moon.
C. The object’s acceleration due to gravity is less on the moon.
D. both a and c

Answer 1

Potential energy relative to the surface is

(mass) x (acceleration due to gravity) x (height above the surface).

At 1.0 meter above the surface, that is

(mass) x (acceleration due to gravity) x (1.0 meter) .

The object's mass doesn't change, so the only thing that has any effect
on its potential energy at 1 meter above the surface is the acceleration
of gravity or, in other words, the surface of what ?