Question

What can he do next to increase his gravitational potential energy?

a) Descend to a lower altitude
b) Stay at the same altitude
c) Ascend to a higher altitude
d) Perform horizontal movements

Answer 1

To increase gravitational potential energy, a student should ascend to a higher altitude. This is because gravitational potential energy increases with height, and none of the other options provided raise the altitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

Increasing Gravitational Potential Energy

To increase his gravitational potential energy, a student should choose to ascend to a higher altitude. This is because gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the height of the object above the ground. Performing horizontal movements or staying at the same altitude will not change the gravitational potential energy, and descending to a lower altitude will decrease it.

Examples relating to gravitational potential energy:

• Moving an object to a greater height without acceleration increases its potential energy.
• When a child jumps up and down on a bed, reaching a higher height after each bounce, their maximum gravitational potential energy increases.
• If a person's brain is raised by 36.0 cm, the heart must pump blood to maintain the same rate, accounting for the increased gravitational potential energy.