What energy is stored by an object's height above Earth's surface?

Enhance your study skills for the GMAS Physical Science Test with detailed questions and hints. Utilize our flashcards and multiple choice format for effective learning, and gear up for success!

Multiple Choice

What energy is stored by an object's height above Earth's surface?

Explanation:
Height above Earth's surface places the object in Earth's gravitational field, giving it gravitational potential energy. This stored energy depends on how high the object is (and its mass), typically expressed as U = m g h relative to a chosen reference level. The higher the object, the more energy it has to do work as it moves downward. Elastic potential energy comes from stretching or compressing a spring or similar object, not from height. Mechanical energy is the total energy in a system (the sum of kinetic and potential), not a specific form caused by height.

Height above Earth's surface places the object in Earth's gravitational field, giving it gravitational potential energy. This stored energy depends on how high the object is (and its mass), typically expressed as U = m g h relative to a chosen reference level. The higher the object, the more energy it has to do work as it moves downward. Elastic potential energy comes from stretching or compressing a spring or similar object, not from height. Mechanical energy is the total energy in a system (the sum of kinetic and potential), not a specific form caused by height.

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