Question

Which change to an object would double its potential energy?

OA. Increasing its mass to four times its original value
OB. Reducing its mass to one-half of its original value
OC. Reducing its height to one-half of its original value
OD. Increasing its height to twice its original value

Answer 1

To double the potential energy of an object, its height must be increased to twice its original value as per the formula for gravitational potential energy, making the correct option D.

Step-by-step explanation:

To determine which change to an object would double its potential energy, we should consider the formula for gravitational potential energy, PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height above the ground. If the mass is increased fourfold, the potential energy would be quadrupled, not doubled, so option A is incorrect. Reducing the mass or height would decrease the potential energy, so options B and C are incorrect.

Thus, the correct option is OD, which is increasing the height to twice its original value. By doubling the height, you double the value of h in the equation, directly doubling the potential energy assuming mass and gravity remain constant.