Question

read the text about a person in motion. jason hiked up a tall mountain. he followed a trail all the way to the summit. complete the statement. assume that jasons mass did not change. the gravitational potential energy stored between jason and earth ________ as he hiked toward the summit. increased decreased stayed the same

Explanation:

Step1: Recall gravitational - potential - energy formula

The gravitational potential energy formula is $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is the acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is the height above the ground.

Step2: Analyze the change in height

As Jason hikes towards the summit of the mountain, his height $h$ above the ground increases. Since his mass $m$ is constant and the acceleration due to gravity $g$ is approximately constant near the Earth's surface.

Step3: Determine the change in potential energy

According to the formula $U = mgh$, when $m$ and $g$ are constant and $h$ increases, the gravitational potential energy $U$ increases.

Answer:

increased