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Gravitational Potential Energy

Objects are influenced by the force of Gravity, typically objects will be pulled towards the core of the planet they reside. The acceleration of this force is known as Gravitational Acceleration (or in this context, Gravitational Field Strength).

On Earth, \(g\) has a value of roughly \(9.81 ms^{-2}\) - though the exact value depends on where exactly you are.

Objects which are raised from a reference point (typically the surface of a planet), have Gravitational Potential Energy.

Equation

\[ E_p = mgh \]

Where:

  • \(E_p\) is the gravitational potential energy, in Joules (J)
  • \(m\) is the mass of the object, in kilograms (kg)
  • \(g\) is the gravitational field strength, in Newtons per Kilogram (N/kg)
  • \(h\) is the height the object was lifted, in metres (m)
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