5. An object’s gravitational potential energy depends on the object’s mass, the strength of the gravitational field, and what other variable?(1 point)
Responses
the object's height from the ground
the object's height from the ground
the shape of the object
the shape of the object
the speed of the object
the speed of the object
the color of the object
the object's height from the ground
The correct answer is: the object's height from the ground.
The correct answer is: the object's height from the ground.
To understand why, let's break down the formula for gravitational potential energy. The formula is:
Gravitational potential energy = mass x gravitational field strength x height
In this formula, mass refers to the object's mass, gravitational field strength refers to the strength of the gravitational field at that location, and height refers to the object's vertical distance from the ground.
The gravitational potential energy of an object depends on its height from the ground because the higher an object is, the greater its potential energy. As an object is lifted higher, it gains potential energy because it has the ability to do work when released or moved.
The other variables mentioned - the shape of the object, the speed of the object, and the color of the object - do not directly affect the object's gravitational potential energy.