What is the difference between gravitational potential energy (GPE) and elastic potential energy (EPE)?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Start by restating the question to frame the topic: What distinguishes gravitational potential energy (GPE) from elastic potential energy (EPE) in a system involving gravity and springs?

Option a: 'GPE is due to the gravitational force of the object, EPE is due to the elastic property of the spring.' This statement mixes ideas but is slightly imprecise. GPE is associated with an object's height in a gravitational field relative to a reference level, not just the gravitational force itself. EPE is indeed related to the elastic property of the spring, but saying GPE is due to the gravitational force rather than height can mislead; the key distinction is dependence on height, not the force causing motion alone.

Option b: 'GPE is due to the height from a reference point, EPE is due to a spring being stretched or compressed.' This option captures the standard definitions: gravitational potential energy arises from vertical position (height) in a gravitational field relative to a chosen zero level; elastic potential energy arises from deformation of an elastic element, such as a spring, when it is stretched or compressed from its rest length. It correctly separates the dependence on height for gravity and deformation for elasticity.

Option c: 'GPE is due to a spring being stretched or compressed, EPE is due to the height from a reference point.' This is the reverse of the correct idea. It confuses the source of potential energy for each type: elastic potential energy is tied to spring deformation, not gravitational height; GPE is tied to height, not spring deformation.

Option d: 'GPE is due to the mass of the object, EPE is due to a force constant of the spring.' This statement is incomplete and misleading. While mass affects the amount of GPE for a given height (through weight), the fundamental definition centers on height, not mass alone. EPE involves more than just the force constant; the energy also depends on the amount of deformation and the stiffness, but the primary distinction is deformation, not just the force constant.

In summary, option b correctly identifies the core differences: GPE depends on height relative to a reference point, while EPE depends on the spring’s deformation (stretching or compression). The other options mix up the causal factors or misstate the defining dependence for each form of potential energy, which leads to common misconceptions about how energy is stored in gravitational versus elastic contexts.

UCIC 202503 PHYS101 Quiz 3

What is the difference between gravitational potential energy (GPE) and elastic potential energy (EPE)?

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