Gravitational potential energy depends on which factors?

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula for gravitational potential energy is given by:

[ PE = mgh ]

where ( PE ) is the potential energy, ( m ) is the mass of the object, ( g ) is the acceleration due to gravity, and ( h ) is the height of the object above a reference point.

This equation clearly shows that gravitational potential energy is directly dependent on both the mass of the object and its height relative to a reference point. A greater mass means more energy is stored due to the gravitational pull acting on it, while a higher position means the object has more potential energy because it has the ability to do more work if it falls.

The other factors listed in the options do not play a role in determining gravitational potential energy. Velocity relates to kinetic energy, force and distance could pertain to work done, and friction and speed are more associated with energy loss and motion but not with the gravitational potential stored due to height and mass.