AFOQT Practice Test

Which type of energy increases when an object is elevated?

1. Kinetic energy

2. Gravitational potential energy

3. Chemical potential energy

4. Thermal energy

The correct answer is: Gravitational potential energy

When an object is elevated, the gravitational potential energy of that object increases. Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object as a result of its position relative to the Earth (or another gravitational source). The further an object is raised above the ground, the more gravitational potential energy it possesses, since this energy is based on both the mass of the object and its height above a reference point, typically the ground. The formula to calculate gravitational potential energy is given by: \[ PE = mgh \] where \( PE \) is 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. As height increases, either by raising the object or moving it away from the ground level, the potential energy increases proportionately. In contrast, kinetic energy relates to the motion of an object, so it does not increase simply because an object is elevated without any change in its velocity. Chemical potential energy refers to the energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds, which is not directly affected by the elevation of an object. Thermal energy is related to the temperature of an object and the kinetic energy of its particles, but