Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It depends on the object's mass, the strength of the gravitational field, and the height of the object above a reference point (often the ground or a chosen zero-energy level).

The formula for Gravitational Potential Energy

Points

Concept

Dependence on mass, gravity and height

4 comments

Comments (4)

indu marath

Nov 15

What factors affect the amount of gravitational potential energy an object has?
How does the height of an object influence its gravitational potential energy?
What is the relationship between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy?
How does gravitational potential energy change when an object is moved in a gravitational field?
What are some real-life examples of gravitational potential energy in action?
How is gravitational potential energy used in roller coasters and other amusement park rides?

Sreeshan

Nov 29

Replying to

its height relative to some reference point, its mass, and the strength of the gravitational field it is in.
The higher the object's position, the more potential energy it has due to the increased work done against gravity.
they are both forms of energy that an object can possess.
The work done to move an object from one point to another in a gravitational field changes its gravitational potential energy.
A bird sitting on a tree branch.
A flower pot hanging off of the deck.
An apple hanging in a tree.
A plane flying overhead.
to create a thrilling ride by converting potential energy into kinetic energy and back again, like rollercoasters.

Anitha

Nov 14

1. An object with a mass of 10 kg is lifted to a height of 5 meters above the ground. Calculate its gravitational potential energy.

2. A rock has a gravitational potential energy of 500 J when it is 20 meters above the ground. What is the mass of the rock?

3. A 2 kg ball is dropped from a height of 15 meters. As it falls, its gravitational potential energy decreases. Calculate the change in GPE as the ball reaches the ground.

4. On the Moon, where the gravitational field strength is approximately 1.6 m/s², a 3 kg object is lifted to a height of 10 meters. Calculate its gravitational potential energy on the Moon.

5. A hiker with a mass of 70 kg climbs a mountain that is 1,500 meters high. What is the hiker's gravitational potential energy at the top of the mountain relative to the base?

Sreeshan

Nov 15

Replying to

u = 490.5 joules. (formula used: u = m g h)
m = u/gh . mass = 2.55kg.
the GPE on top was 294, so as it gets down it will be -295 joules.
GPE in moon = 48 joules.
u = 1.03 megajoules.