# ​Potential Energy

Potential energy is the reserved energy for an object placed at a specific height. Rather than the object in motion, it involves the position or state of a body. You can also name its gravitational potential energy as it includes the factor of gravity as well.

We will discuss,

• The formula of potential energy

• Mechanism of getting the potential energy of an object placed at the height

## Formula of ​Potential Energy Calculator

In order to calculate potential energy, we use the following general formula:

PE = m * g * h

Where,

PE = potential energy in Joules

m = mass of the object in kilograms

g = gravitational acceleration in mass per square second (If you want to calculate gravitational pull our gravitational force calculator is highly recommended.)

h = height of the elevated object in meters

Most of the time we use Δh, which is the difference between the initial and final height

For the sake of calculating potential energy make sure that the object is placed above the ground level. Otherwise, the height will be zero and consequently, the potential energy will be zero.

Note:

If you want to know about the energy that possesses due to its motion, then visit our Kinetic Energy Calculator.

### Example

Suppose, we have an object placed at a height of 10m with a mass of 5kg. What will be its potential energy?

Given data

height = 10m
mass = 5kg

To Find

potential energy = ?

Solution

Using the above formula

PE = m * g * h

Putting values in the formula:

PE = 5 * 9.8 * 10
PE = 490

So the potential energy was found to be 490 joules for the object.

### How to use ​Potential Energy Calculator?

The steps to use ​a potential energy calculator are as follows:

Step 1: Enter the value of mass in the first required input.

Step 2: Enter the value of gravitational acceleration in the second required input.

Step 3: Enter the value of height in the third required input.

Step 4: The calculator will automatically display an answer on the screen.

### Calculator use

With the use of a potential energy calculator, you can get answers in different units by simply putting the values.  Make sure that you have selected the correct units, to get the 100% perfect answer.