Gravitational Potential Energy
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The GPE store and its equation
An object lifted in a gravitational field carries energy because of where it is, not because of what it is doing. The gravitational potential store holds that energy, and multiplying mass by gravitational field strength by height prices it in joules.
What you know already
Height is a place where energy can be parked. These lessons define the gravitational store, build the GPE equation piece by piece, and show how the strength of gravity — from the Moon to the gas giants — changes what the same lifted height is worth.
Key points of understanding
- Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has because of its height in a gravitational field.
- Lifting an object transfers energy into its gravitational store; a falling object transfers energy out of it.
- GPE = m × g × h, with mass in kilograms, gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram and height in metres.
- The energy in the gravitational store grows in direct proportion to each of mass, field strength and height.
Energy is transferred to the mass's gravitational store as it is lifted above the ground
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1.The GPE store and its equation
An object lifted in a gravitational field carries energy because of where it is, not because of what it is doing. The gravitational potential store holds that energy, and multiplying mass by gravitational field strength by height prices it in joules.
Energy is transferred to the mass's gravitational store as it is lifted above the ground
Key points
- Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has because of its height in a gravitational field.
- Lifting an object transfers energy into its gravitational store; a falling object transfers energy out of it.
- GPE = m × g × h, with mass in kilograms, gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram and height in metres.
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