1.4 gravitational potential energy stores

Question 1

What happens to the gravitational potential energy store of an object when it moves up or down?

Answer 1

When an object moves up the GPE increases and when it moves down the GPE decreases

Question 2

Why does the GPE store of an object increase when it’s lifted up?

Answer 2

The GPE store increases when it’s lifted up because work is done to overcome the gravitational force

Question 3

How is the gravitational field strength at the surface of the moon different to earth?

Answer 3

The gravitational field strength at the surface of the moon is less than on earth

Question 4

What is the calculation for the change in GPE store of an object

Answer 4

AEp = M x G x Ah

Question 5

What does AEp stand for?

Answer 5

The change of GPE store (joules, j)

Question 6

What does M stand for?

Answer 6

Mass (kilograms, kg)

Question 7

What does G stand for?

Answer 7

Gravitational field strength (newtons per kilogram, N/kg)

Question 8

What does Ah stand for?

Answer 8

Change of height (metres ,m)