How does the height of an object affect the amount of mechanical energy it contains

Explanation:

Total Mechanical Energy = Kinetic Energy + Potential Energy (including both gravitational and spring)

Kinetic energy only involves moving energy. This is not impacted by height. So we only have potential energy here to look at.

Potential energy has two forms: Gravitational and Spring. But Spring PE is only involved when 1). a spring is used 2). the spring is compressed. So we only have gravitational PE to think about now.

where:

m = mass

g = gravitational constant

h = height

What do you think happens to your PE if you increase height?

the independent variable, the one that is intentionally manipulated, is whether or not the car hits the barrier.

the dependent variable, the one that you measure the response in, is the distance that the washers travel.