Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy using the formula PE = mgh
Calculate Potential Energy
Mass of the object
Height above reference level
Potential Energy Results
Formula used: PE = mgh = 0.000 kg × 9.810 m/s² × 0.000 m
Input values: Mass: 0.000 kg, Height: 0.000 m, Gravity: 9.810 m/s²
Environment: Earth (9.81 m/s²)
Alternative units: 0.00 cal, 0.00 ft-lb
Energy-Height Relationship
Example Calculations
Apple on Tree (Classic Example)
Object: Apple with mass of 0.1 kg
Height: 2.5 m above ground
Gravity: 9.81 m/s² (Earth)
Calculation: PE = 0.1 × 9.81 × 2.5
Result: PE = 2.4525 J ≈ 0.59 cal
Wrecking Ball Example
Object: Wrecking ball (2,000 kg)
Height: 20 m above ground
Gravity: 9.81 m/s² (Earth)
Calculation: PE = 2,000 × 9.81 × 20
Result: PE = 392,400 J ≈ 392.4 kJ
Moon vs Earth Comparison
Same object (1 kg) at 10 m height:
Earth: PE = 1 × 9.81 × 10 = 98.1 J
Moon: PE = 1 × 1.62 × 10 = 16.2 J
Ratio: Earth has ~6 times more potential energy
Gravity on Different Worlds
Types of Potential Energy
Gravitational
Energy due to position in gravitational field
PE = mgh
Elastic
Energy stored in springs and elastic materials
PE = ½kx²
Chemical
Energy stored in molecular bonds
Released in reactions
Physics Tips
Potential energy depends on reference level (usually ground)
Energy is conserved: PE can convert to kinetic energy
Doubling height doubles potential energy
Higher gravity = more potential energy at same height
Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy
What is Potential Energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. It represents the amount of work that was done against gravity to lift the object to its current height, and the amount of work that gravity can do if the object falls.
Key Properties
- •Always relative to a reference level (usually ground)
- •Scalar quantity (no direction)
- •Can be positive, negative, or zero
- •Increases linearly with height and mass
Formula Explanation
PE = mgh
- PE: Gravitational Potential Energy (Joules)
- m: Mass of the object (kg)
- g: Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
- h: Height above reference level (m)
Note: This formula assumes a uniform gravitational field, which is accurate for objects near Earth's surface.
Energy Conservation
One of the most important concepts in physics is energy conservation. In a conservative system (no friction), the total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant. When an object falls, potential energy converts to kinetic energy, and vice versa when it rises.
At Maximum Height
PE = maximum, KE = 0 (object momentarily at rest)
During Fall
PE decreases, KE increases, but total energy remains constant
At Ground Level
PE = 0, KE = maximum (highest speed achieved)
Real-World Applications
Hydroelectric Power
Water stored in elevated reservoirs has massive potential energy that converts to electrical energy as it flows through turbines.
Roller Coasters
The highest point provides maximum potential energy, which converts to kinetic energy for thrilling speeds on the descent.
Pendulum Clocks
The swinging motion relies on constant conversion between potential and kinetic energy.
Construction
Pile drivers and wrecking balls use gravitational potential energy for demolition work.