Question

What factors affect how much gravitational potential energy an object has?

A) Mass
B) Vertical position
C) Velocity
D) Horizontal position

Answer 1

Gravitational potential energy of an object is influenced by its mass and vertical position. Velocity and horizontal position do not directly affect gravitational potential energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Gravitational potential energy is determined by several factors. These factors include:

1. Mass: The mass of an object influences its gravitational potential energy. Heavier objects have greater gravitational potential energy compared to lighter objects.
2. Vertical position: The height or vertical position of an object relative to the ground affects its gravitational potential energy. Objects at higher positions have greater gravitational potential energy than those at lower positions.
3. Velocity: The velocity or speed of an object does not directly affect its gravitational potential energy. Gravitational potential energy depends only on an object's mass and vertical position.
4. Horizontal position: The horizontal position or sideways motion of an object does not affect its gravitational potential energy. Only the vertical distance matters when calculating gravitational potential energy.