Final answer:
The gravitational potential energy of an object is directly influenced by its height above a reference point and its mass. The formula to calculate it is P.E. = mg.
Step-by-step explanation:
The gravitational potential energy of an object is influenced by several factors. The two main factors that influence gravitational potential energy are the object's height relative to a reference point and its mass. Specifically, gravitational potential energy (P.E.) is calculated using the formula P.E. = mg, where 'm' is the mass of the object, 'g' is the acceleration due to gravity, and 'h' is the height above the reference point. Height and mass are, therefore, the direct factors that affect an object's gravitational potential energy in this context.
Compression does not directly influence gravitational potential energy, although it can affect mechanical energy if an object is compressible and acts similar to a spring. Similarly, movement does not directly influence gravitational potential energy; instead, it's associated with kinetic energy.