6
lesson pretestMultiple Choice

Pretest

Question 6 • Physics I

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

Answer
A
distance
B
mass
C
velocity
D
spring constant

Explanation

Gravitational potential energy near Earth is calculated with GPE = mgh, so it depends on an object's mass. Elastic potential energy is calculated with EPE = ½kx², so it depends on the spring constant and how far the spring is stretched or compressed, not the object's mass. Therefore, mass is the factor that affects gravitational potential energy but not elastic potential energy.

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