Question

For an object to have gravitational potential energy, it must:

a) be accelerating
b) be moving
c) be above the ground
d) have mass and be at a certain height above the reference point

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy requires an object to have mass and be at a certain height above a reference point, calculated by the formula P.E. = mgh.

Step-by-step explanation:

For an object to have gravitational potential energy, it must have mass and be at a certain height above a reference point, such as the surface of the Earth. Gravitational potential energy is largely dictated by an object's position within a gravitational field, such as Earth's, and is given by the formula P.E. = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the object's height above the reference point. This energy is part of a system's stored energy that can be released as kinetic energy or other forms if the object is allowed to fall.