Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
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Gravitational Potential Energy Formula
The formula for gravitational potential energy simplifies to:
\[ U = m \cdot g \cdot h \]
where:
- \( U \) is the gravitational potential energy in joules,
- \( m \) is the mass of the object in kilograms,
- \( g \) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 m/s² on Earth),
- \( h \) is the height of the object above the surface in meters.
Example Calculation
Let's calculate the gravitational potential energy of a bowling ball placed on top of a 200-meter hill. Assuming a bowling ball mass of 200 kg:
\[ U = 200 \cdot 9.8 \cdot 200 = 392,000 \text{ Joules} \]
Common FAQs
What is gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its mass and its height above the Earth's surface.
How does gravitational potential energy change with height?
The potential energy increases proportionally with the height above the reference level. If the height doubles, the potential energy doubles too.
Is gravitational potential energy only applicable on Earth?
No, gravitational potential energy can be calculated for any massive object, though the gravitational acceleration value (g) will vary with location.