Calculation of gravitational potential energy (GPE).
Principle
Potential gravitational energy (GPE) is the energy that something has because of its position or state, rather than because it is moving.
In the object-Earth mechanical system, it is the gravitational potential energy (GPE) that is involved.
Let us calculate the work done in lifting an object of mass m through a height h. If the object is lifted straight up at constant speed, then the force needed to lift it is equal to its weight mg. The work done on the mass is then W = Fd = mgh. We define this to be the GPE put into (or gained by) the object-Earth system.
Formula to calculate gravitational potential energy
How to calculate potential energy of a solid ?
The simplest formula is :
GPE = m*g*h
Where :GPE = gravitational potential energy (joules j)
m = mass in kilogram (kg)
g = acceleration due to gravity (m/s²)
h = change in height h rather than the usual Δh (Note that h is positive when the final height is greater than the initial height, and vice versa), in meters (m)
Calculator : potential energy
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