Blast into 2026: Conquer the Astronomy Challenge – Your Cosmic Adventure Awaits!

Gravitational potential energy is defined by the equation \( PE = mgh \), where \( PE \) stands for gravitational potential energy, \( m \) represents the mass of the object, \( g \) symbolizes the acceleration due to gravity, and \( h \) indicates the height of the object above a reference point (usually the ground).

The factors included in this equation are all related directly to the energy stored due to the position of an object in a gravitational field. The object's mass is essential because the greater the mass, the more potential energy it holds at a given height. The height above ground is also crucial, as the potential energy increases with the height due to the gravitational pull acting on the mass. The strength of gravity is a constant (approximately 9.81 m/s² on Earth) that relates how gravity affects all masses.

In contrast, time in motion does not have any relevance in the calculation of gravitational potential energy. This factor is not included in the equation because gravitational potential energy is a measure of position, not motion. Therefore, while mass, height, and gravitational strength directly influence the gravitational potential energy an object possesses, time does not. This understanding clarifies why time in motion is the correct choice as the