non - cp physics 2024 the law of conservation of en... multiple - choice question does an increase in mass…

non - cp physics 2024 the law of conservation of en... multiple - choice question does an increase in mass increase or decrease potential energy? decrease increase
Answer
Explanation:
Step1: Recall potential - energy formula
The formula for gravitational potential energy is $U = mgh$, where $U$ is potential energy, $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height.
Step2: Analyze the relationship
Since $g$ and $h$ are assumed to be constant in this context, when $m$ increases, the product $mgh$ (i.e., $U$) increases because $U$ is directly proportional to $m$.
Answer:
Increase