Gravitational Potential Energy Store
Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
The gravitational potential energy store is the energy stored in an object that is in a gravitional field.
About The Gravitational Potential Energy Store
- The stronger the gravitational field the more energy in the gravitational potential energy store.
- The greater the mass of the object the more energy in the gravitational potential energy store.
- The greater the height of the object the more energy in the gravitational potential energy store.
Equation
The equation for gravitational potential energy written in words. |
The equation for gravitational potential energy written in symbols. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
The gravitational potential energy store is the energy stored in an object that is in a gravitional field.
About Gravitational Potential Energy
- Gravitational Potential Energy is a potential energy due to the position of a mass in a gravitational field.
- The gravitational potential energy store of an object is related to three important factors:
- The mass - The greater the mass of an object the greater the gravitational potential energy.
- The gravitational field strength - The greater the gravitational field strength the greater the gravitational potential energy.
- The height of the object - The greater the height of an object in a gravitational field the greater the gravitational potential energy.
Equation
NB: You must memorise this equation!
Gravitational Potential Energy = (Mass) x (gravitational field strength) x (change in height)
\(E_g = m g \Delta h\)
Where:
Eg = Gravitational Potential Energy stored.
g = The gravitational field strength.