Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its height above the ground.
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Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its height above the ground.
- GPE equals m g h
- Higher objects store more energy
- It converts to kinetic energy when falling
🧠 Quick quiz
Three questions. Score 2 or more to complete the topic.
What is Gravitational Potential Energy?
Within Physics, which covers forces, energy, waves, electricity, magnetism, light and space explained through motion and experiments, this topic explains Gravitational Potential Energy. Physics topics explain how things move, push, heat up and carry energy, so each one here pairs a definition with a live model you can change.
Check that you can explain Gravitational Potential Energy in your own words and give one example from everyday life. If you can do that, you have understood the core idea.
Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy explains how the physical world behaves, from sport and transport to electricity and medicine.
Gravitational Potential Energy in detail
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its height in a gravitational field: GPE = mgh. A 2 kg mass raised 5 m gains 2 × 10 × 5 = 100 J. Only the change in height matters, so you can choose any reference level.
When an object falls, GPE is transferred to kinetic energy, which lets you find speeds without using forces, such as v = √(2gh) for an object falling from rest. Roller coasters, pendulums and hydroelectric dams are practical examples where GPE and KE are exchanged.
How the interactive helps you understand Gravitational Potential Energy
Watch the energy stores in the interactive. Use any sliders or buttons it offers to change the values and see how the energy stores responds.
Before you change anything, predict the result. Then change one value at a time and check whether your prediction was right. This is a quick way to build a correct mental model of Gravitational Potential Energy.
Real-life uses and examples
- Answer “explain” questions by linking Gravitational Potential Energy to a clear cause and effect.
- Predict what a ball, car or circuit will do with Gravitational Potential Energy before you do the calculation.
- Explain everyday devices, such as brakes, lifts or chargers, using Gravitational Potential Energy.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting that some quantities, such as force or velocity, also have a direction.
- Mixing up Gravitational Potential Energy with a related quantity that has different units.
- Learning the definition without testing it. Use the quiz and the interactive to check that you can apply the idea.
Frequently asked questions about Gravitational Potential Energy
What is Gravitational Potential Energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its height above the ground.
What are the most important points about Gravitational Potential Energy?
The main points are: GPE equals m g h; Higher objects store more energy; It converts to kinetic energy when falling.
Why is Gravitational Potential Energy useful?
Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy explains how the physical world behaves, from sport and transport to electricity and medicine.
How can I practise Gravitational Potential Energy?
Open the interactive at the top of this page and change the controls one at a time. Predict the result before each change, then take the three-question quiz. A score of two or more marks the topic as complete on this device.
Which topics are related to Gravitational Potential Energy?
Related topics in Physics include Power, Momentum, Circular Motion.