Question

Which of the following would allow for the highest potential energy in a ball at the top of the hill?

Select an answer

A.
Making the ball lighter


B.
Making the ball heavier


C.
Making the hill less steep


D.
Releasing the ball from a lower point on the hill

Answer 1

B. Making the ball heavier

Gravitational potential energy = mgh, so increasing mass m increases the potential energy. Steepness doesn't change height, and releasing from a lower point or making the ball lighter would reduce m or h, lowering PE.