What determines an object's potential energy?
a
weight and speed
b
mass and position
c
weight and position
d
mass and speed
b. mass and position
The correct answer is c) weight and position. An object's potential energy is determined by its weight (which is the force of gravity acting on it) and its position above a reference point, such as the ground. The higher an object is positioned above the reference point, the greater its potential energy.
The correct answer is option c: weight and position. An object's potential energy is determined by its weight and its position relative to a reference point.
To understand why weight and position determine potential energy, you need to know the concept of gravitational potential energy. Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field.
The weight of an object is the force of gravity acting on it, and it depends on the mass of the object as well as the acceleration due to gravity. The weight of an object can be calculated using the formula: weight = mass × acceleration due to gravity.
Position refers to where the object is located with respect to a reference point, typically the height above the ground. The higher an object is placed, the greater its potential energy because it has the potential to gain kinetic energy as it falls.
So, when you combine weight and position, you can calculate the potential energy of an object. The formula to calculate the gravitational potential energy is: potential energy = weight × height.
Therefore, an object's potential energy is determined by its weight (which depends on mass) and its position.