Gravitational Potential Energy definition
In physics, the amount of energy an object possesses because of its altitude. In addition to this, one more reason for restoring this kind of energy is the state of an object in gravitational fields. The gravitational field is a force encircled by a measurable object's mass in which different things would last an engaging force. Joule is the SI unit to measure the gravitational potential energy.
Table of Contents
Formula of Gravitational Potential Energy
To know how to find out the gravitational potential energy instantly, Jump to our calculator, or to find it manually, you can use the formula listed below:
GPE = m * g * h
Where,
GPE = Gravitational Potential Energy
m = object's mass (measured in kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s2
h = object's height above the sea-level
Example
For a more precise understanding of the concept, let us solve an example below:
Suppose if a mass of 20kg is 35m above the earth's surface. Find out the gravitational potential energy of an object.
Given data
m = 20kg
g = 9.8 m/s2
h = 35m
To Find
Gravitational potential energy = ?
Solution
To find out the gravitational potential energy of an object, we will use the formula listed below:
GPE = m * g * h
Putting values in the formula:
GPE = 20 * 9.8 * 35 = 6860 J
