Which of the following factors would change the gravitational potential energy of an object near the Earth's surface? $U=mgh$

• A. The mass of the object $m$
• B. The color of the object
• C. The temperature of the object
• D. The speed of the object

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of gravitational potential energy (GPE). It is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically calculated near the Earth's surface.
2. Recall the formula for gravitational potential energy: $U=mgh$, where $U$ is the gravitational potential energy, $m$ is the mass of the object, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is the height above the reference point.
3. Identify which factors in the formula can change the gravitational potential energy. The mass of the object ($m$) and the height ($h$) are the variables that can change the GPE.
4. Evaluate the given options: The mass of the object directly affects the gravitational potential energy as it is a component of the formula. The color, temperature, and speed of the object do not appear in the formula and thus do not affect the GPE.
5. Conclude that the factor which would change the gravitational potential energy of an object near the Earth's surface is the mass of the object.