The amount of gravitational potential energy released as an object falls depends on
A)its mass and the distance it falls,as well as the rate of gravitational acceleration.
B)its mass and its speed at the time it begins falling.
C)only the distance it falls.
D)only its mass.
E)only its speed at the time it begins falling.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gravitational potential energy is determined by an object's mass, the height it falls from (or distance it falls), and the acceleration due to gravity. The formula for gravitational potential energy is E = mgh, where E is the potential energy, m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height. Therefore, the amount of gravitational potential energy released as an object falls depends on its mass and the distance it falls, as well as the rate of gravitational acceleration.

The Amount of Gravitational Potential Energy Released as an Object