1
lesson pretestMultiple Choice

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Question 1 • Physics I

Which factor affects elastic potential energy but not gravitational potential energy?

Answer
A
spring constant
B
acceleration due to gravity
C
amount of matter in the object
D
distance from a given position

Explanation

Elastic potential energy is calculated using the spring constant, as in the formula E = ½kx². Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass, gravity, and height (E = mgh), not the spring constant. Therefore, the spring constant is the factor that affects elastic potential energy but not gravitational potential energy.

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