Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy (near the surface of Earth) depends on the mass and height of an object.

Gravitational Potential Energy Gravitational potential energy (PE) is gained when a mass (m) is moved vertically upwards some distance (h) in a gravitational field (g). PE = m x g x h PEEnergyJoule (J) mmasskilogramme (kg) ggrav fieldNewton/kilogramme(N/kg) hheightmetre(m).

Example (1) A mass of 50 kg is lifted up a vertical distance of 40 m. What is the gravitational potential energy gained ? g = 10 N/kg PE = m x g x h PE = 50 x 10 x 40 PE = 20,000 J.

Example (2) A mass of 800 g is raised a total vertical height of 50 cm. Calculate the potential energy gained. PE = m x g x h PE = 0.8 x 10 x 0.5 PE = 4 J.

Elastic Potential Energy Elastic potential energy as a function of position of an elastic object (i.e. compression or stretch of spring or bungee cord)

Chemical Potential Energy Chemical potential energy depends on the position and arrangement of atoms, and chemical reactions often involve the transformation between thermal and chemical potential energy

Electric Potential Energy Electric potential energy depends on the position and magnitude of charges

Magnetic Potential Energy Magnetic potential energy depends on the position of magnetic objects relative to each other