Gravitational Potential Energy (OCR GCSE Physics A, Combined (Gateway Science Suite)): Revision Notes
📚 Revision Notes
1.1.4 Gravitational Potential Energy
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Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position above the earth's surface. This is due to the force of gravity acting on an object.
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FORMULA
- : Gravitational potential energy (J)
- : Mass (kg)
- : Gravitational field strength (N/kg)
- : Height (m)
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Example: If a 2 kg object is lifted 3 metres above the ground, the gravitational potential energy is:
This means the object has 58.8 joules of gravitational potential energy.
Real-World Application
When an object is lifted, it gains gravitational potential energy. If the object falls, this energy is converted into kinetic energy, increasing its speed as it descends.