Gravitational Potential

UG (G is the subscript)

Symbol to represent Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy

The interaction energy that is associated with the gravitational interaction between 2 masses.

Fg = -mgĵ

Mathematical representation of the flat-earth approximation.

0

Work done on the earth in the gravitational potential energy

UG = mgy

Mathematical representation of the Gravitational potential energy.

Joules (J)

SI unit for joules.

UG = 0

The gravitational potential energy on its reference point or reference level

Negative potential energy

The potential energy which is less than at the reference point

Mechanical energy of the system

The total macroscopic kinetic and potential energy.

Emech = Ktot + Uint

Mathematical representation of the mechanical energy of the system.

Conserved quantity

Quantity that is unchanged during the interaction.

Ki + UGi = Kf + UGf

Law of conservation of energy when there is only gravitational force and no other forces are there.

ΔEth = fkΔs

Mathematical representation of the thermal energy.

ΔEth = 0

The condition which should be met to conserve the Mechanical energy.

Ki + UGi = Kf + UGf + ΔEth

Energy principle for a system with gravitational potential energy and a friction.