Energy: Gravitational Potential Energy

Question 1

What is gravitational potential energy?

Answer 1

The energy stored in an object because of its position above the Earth’s surface due to the force of gravity acting on it.

Question 2

What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?

Answer 2

E_p = m x g x h

(Gravitational potential energy = mass (kg) x gravitational field strength (N/kg) x height of object (m))

Question 3

A crane lifts a 75kg mass a height of 8m. Calculate the gravitational potential energy gained by the mass.

Answer 3

E_p = 75 x 9.8 x 8

E_p = 5880J