GPE & KE

When does an object have energy in its gravitational potential store?

If it’s raised through a gravitational field

Examples of change in GPE

• Lifting or dropping objects

• Bouncing objects

• Orbiting objects

• Objects below ground

What is GPE?

The amount of energy in the GP store of an object

ΔGPE =

m x g x Δh

What does the ΔGPE in the GPE equation represent?

Gravitational potential energy in joules (J)

What does the m in the GPE equation represent?

Mass in kilograms (kg)

What does the g in the GPE equation represent?

Gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)

What does the Δh in the GPE equation represent?

Change in vertical height in metres (m)

What is the amount of energy an object has in its gravitational potential store dependant on?

• Mass

• Gravitational field strength (varies based on where you are in the universe)

• Height