Potential Energy
Potential Energy An object’s potential energy (PE) is related to its mass (m) and its height (h) above the ground. The equation is: *Remember that “g” is the acceleration caused by gravity, and that g = 9.8 m/s2.
Potential Energy This equation can also be used to solve for the mass (m) or the height (h).
Potential Energy Example 1: A 50 kg object is lifted to a height of 4 m above the ground. What is the object’s potential energy?
Potential Energy Example 2: A 150 kg object has a potential energy of 44,100 J. How high is the object above the ground?
Potential Energy Example 3: An object has a potential energy of 4900 J when it is 5 m above the ground. What is the object’s mass?