Question

The amount of gravitational potential energy released as an object falls depends on?

1) its mass and its speed at the time it begins falling.
2) only its mass.
3) only its speed at the time it begins falling.
4) its mass and the distance it falls, as well as the rate of gravitational acceleration.
5) only the distance it falls.

Answer 1

The amount of gravitational potential energy released as an object falls is determined by its mass, the distance it falls, and the rate of gravitational acceleration.

Step-by-step explanation:

The amount of gravitational potential energy released as an object falls depends on its mass, the distance it falls, and the rate of gravitational acceleration. This relationship is expressed through the equation P.E. = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height from which the object falls.

The correct answer to the student's question is 4) its mass and the distance it falls, as well as the rate of gravitational acceleration. Factors like the object's starting speed do not affect the gravitational potential energy, as it is purely dependent on position or height relative to the Earth.