Chapter 1.4 Gravitational potential energy stores

Question 1

When does the gravitational potential energy energy store of an object increase?

Answer 1

The gravitational potential energy store of an object increases when it moves up and decreases when it moves down.

Question 2

Why does the gravitational potential energy of an object increase when it is lifted up?

Answer 2

This is because when the object is lifted up because work is done on it to overcome the gravitational force.

Question 3

What is the equation for the change in gravitational potential energy (GPE)?

Answer 3

GPE(Gravitational potential energy) = MxGxH (Mass, Gravity and Height).

Question 4

What happens to gravitational potential energy when an object is moved upwards?

Answer 4

When an object is moved upwards, the energy in its gravitational potential energy store increases. This increase is equal to the work done on it by lifting force to overcome the gravitational force on the object.

Question 5

What happens to gravitational potential energy when an object is moved downwards?

Answer 5

When an object moves down, the energy in its gravitational potential energy store decreases. This decrease is equal to the work done by the gravitational force acting on it.