What two factors determine gravitational potential energy?
Answer (3)
The two factors that determine the gravitational potential energy of an object are the objects mass and also the objects height off of the ground. More massive objects have greater potential gravitational energy in addition an object has greater potential gravitational energy the higher it is from earth.
The two factors that determine an object's gravitational potential energy are its mass and its height relative to a reference point in a gravitational field. The gravitational potential energy (U) increases as either one of these factors increases. For example, a heavier book or one that is placed on a higher shelf both have higher gravitational potential energy compared to a lighter book or one placed on a lower shelf.
Furthermore, the strength of the gravitational field (usually represented by the acceleration due to gravity on the surface of a planet) also influences the gravitational potential energy. An object at a given height has less gravitational potential energy on the Moon than it would at the same height on Earth because the Moon's gravitational field is weaker. However, when discussing just two factors and not the entire system, focus is placed on mass and height as primary determinants of potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy depends on two main factors: the mass of the object and its height above a reference point. The formula for gravitational potential energy is given by P E g = m g h , where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is height. A heavier object or an object at a higher elevation will have greater gravitational potential energy.
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