Question

question 18 of 28
which change to an object would triple its potential energy?
a. reducing its mass to one - third of its original value
b. reducing its height to one - half of its original value
c. increasing its height to twice its original value
d. increasing its mass to three times its original value

Explanation:

Step1: Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy

The formula for gravitational potential energy is \(U = mgh\), where \(m\) is mass, \(g\) is the acceleration due to gravity (constant near Earth's surface), and \(h\) is height.

Step2: Analyze each option

• Option A: If \(m

ightarrow\frac{1}{3}m\), then \(U=\frac{1}{3}mgh\) (potential energy is reduced to one - third).

• Option B: If \(h

ightarrow\frac{1}{2}h\), then \(U = mg\times\frac{1}{2}h=\frac{1}{2}mgh\) (potential energy is reduced to one - half).

• Option C: If \(h

ightarrow2h\), then \(U = mg\times2h = 2mgh\) (potential energy is doubled).

• Option D: If \(m

ightarrow3m\), then \(U=(3m)gh = 3mgh\) (potential energy is tripled).

Answer:

D. Increasing its mass to three times its original value