Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational Potential Energyvideo

Gravitational Potential Energy

• Energy in the gravitational potential store of an object is defined as:

  The energy an object has due to its height in a gravitational field

• This means:

  • If an object is lifted up, energy will be transferred to its gravitational store 

  • If an object falls, energy will be transferred away from its gravitational store 

• The gravitational potential energy of an object can be calculated using the equation:

ΔE_P = mgΔh

• Where:

  • ΔE_P = change in gravitational potential energy, in joules (J)

  • m = mass, in kilograms (kg)

  • g = gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)

  • Δh = change in height in metres (m)

Energy in the Gravitational Potential Store

Energy is transferred to the mass's gravitational store as it is lifted above the ground