What happens to the potential energy of an object when it is lifted higher above the ground?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: When an object is lifted higher above the ground, its potential energy increases. This is because the higher the object is lifted, the greater its potential energy due to the increased distance from the ground. The formula for gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above the reference point. Therefore, as the height (h) increases, the potential energy (PE) also increases, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because when an object is lifted higher, it gains potential energy rather than losing it, keeping it the same, or becoming zero. Thus, the correct answer is that the potential energy of an object increases when it is lifted higher above the ground.