Question

As an object moves around, on which quantities does the change in its gravitational potential energy depend? Choose all that apply.

a. Its mass
b. Its change in speed
c. The path of the motion
d. Its change in height

Answer 1

The change in gravitational potential energy of an object depends on its mass and its change in height, but not on its change in speed or the path of its motion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The change in an object's gravitational potential energy as it moves around depends on several factors. Here we'll address the factors listed in the question.

• Its mass: Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the object's mass. The more massive an object, the greater its potential energy at a given height.
• Its change in speed: This does not directly affect gravitational potential energy, which is not dependent on speed, but rather on height.
• The path of the motion: The change in gravitational potential energy does not depend on the path taken. Only the initial and final positions are relevant.
• Its change in height: Potential energy is also directly proportional to the height an object is raised in a gravitational field. An increase in height results in an increase in potential energy.

Therefore, the correct answers are a. Its mass and d. Its change in height.