How to Calculate Gravitational Potential Energy
What is Gravitational Potential Energy?
Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. GPE = mgh where m is mass (kg), g is gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²), and h is height above reference (m).
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1GPE = m × g × h
- 2g ≈ 9.81 m/s² at Earth's surface (9.80665 exactly at standard)
- 3GPE is relative to a reference height (often the ground or sea level)
- 4When an object falls, GPE converts to kinetic energy (KE = ½mv²)
Worked Examples
Input
5 kg object raised 10 m
Result
GPE = 5 × 9.81 × 10 = 490.5 J
About half a kilojoule
Input
70 kg person on a 10-story building (30m)
Result
GPE = 20,601 J ≈ 20.6 kJ
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