Gravitational potential energy increases as height above the ground increases. Which statement best describes this energy form?

• A. It increases with height
• B. It increases with speed
• C. It decreases with height
• D. It is unrelated to height

Answer: (A)

Gravitational potential energy is energy stored because of an object's position in a gravitational field. Near Earth's surface, it depends on height as GPE = m g h, so as you raise an object higher (increase h) while keeping mass and gravity the same, the potential energy increases. This energy comes from the work you did to lift the object against gravity, and it can be released later as kinetic energy if the object falls. So the energy grows with height, not with speed, and it is not independent of height. The reference level for zero potential can be chosen arbitrarily, but the way GPE changes with height remains: it increases as height increases.