• Gravitational potential energy (usually written Ep, but sometimes GPE) is energy stored in a mass due to its position in a gravitational field
  • If a mass is?lifted?up, it will?gain?Ep?(converted?from?other forms of energy)
  • If a mass?falls, it will?lose?Ep?(and be converted?to?other forms of energy)

   

• The equation for gravitational potential energy for energy changes in a?uniform gravitational field?is:

Gravitational potential energy (GPE): The energy an object has when lifted up

• The potential energy on the Earth’s surface at ground level is taken to be equal to 0
• This equation is only relevant for energy changes in a?uniform gravitational field?(such as near the Earth’s surface)

Derivation of GPE Equation

• When a heavy object is lifted, work is done since the object is provided with an upward force against the downward force of gravity
  • Therefore,?energy is transferred to the object

   

• This equation can therefore be derived from the work done