Final answer:
The terms that best define the factors affecting kinetic energy and potential energy are velocity and height, making the correct option 4) height, position. Kinetic energy is linked to the velocity of an object, whereas potential energy depends on its height or position in a gravitational field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The set of terms that best defines what affects kinetic energy and potential energy, respectively, is velocity and height. Therefore, the correct answer is option 4) height, position. Kinetic energy, also known as the energy of motion, depends directly on the velocity of the object. The mathematical equation for kinetic energy (KE) is KE = 1/2 mv^2, where 'm' is the mass of the object and 'v' is the velocity of the object.
Potential energy, often referred to as stored energy, is influenced most notably by an object's position or height in a gravity field. The gravitational potential energy (PE) equation is PE = mgh, where 'm' is the mass of the object, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is the height above a reference point. The SI unit for both forms of energy is the joule (J).