Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
About Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential Energy is the stored energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It is calculated using the formula:
- On Earth, g = 9.81 m/s² by default.
- Other celestial bodies have different gravity values (see selector above).
- Typical energy units: Joule (J), kJ, cal, Wh, etc.
- For example: Lifting a 1kg object by 1 meter on Earth generates ≈ 9.81J energy.
Energy Conservation & Transformations
Potential energy can transform into other forms, mainly kinetic energy as objects fall:
As an object descends, its potential energy converts to kinetic energy (motion). At the lowest point, all available potential energy becomes kinetic, minus any losses (like friction or air resistance).
Video: Understanding Potential Energy
Credit: Omni Calculator Physics Channel – A simple demonstration of gravitational potential energy and its conversion to kinetic energy.
Explore: Gravitational Acceleration of Celestial Bodies
| Body | Gravity (m/s²) | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Earth | 9.81 | Reference |
| Moon | 1.62 | Much weaker jump |
| Mars | 3.71 | Still reduced gravity |
| Jupiter | 24.79 | Very strong gravity |
| Mercury | 3.7 | Close to Mars |
| Venus | 8.87 | Almost Earth's gravity |
| Sun | 274 | Crushing gravity |
| Pluto | 0.62 | Very weak gravity |
Potential Energy Calculator – Instantly Calculate Gravitational Energy
Need to measure how much energy an object stores due to its height? Our Potential Energy Calculator lets you find the gravitational potential energy of any object using its mass, height, and gravity—in just seconds! Whether you’re a student, engineer, or science lover, this tool simplifies energy calculations fast and accurately.
📚 What Is Potential Energy?
Potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position or condition—especially its height above the ground.
Think of a rock on a hill. It’s not moving, but it stores energy because of how high it is. If it rolls down, that stored energy turns into motion energy (kinetic energy).
The most common type we calculate is gravitational potential energy (GPE).
🧮 Potential Energy Formula
Here’s the formula used in our calculator:
PE = m × g × h
Where:
- PE = Potential energy (in joules, J)
- m = Mass (in kilograms)
- g = Acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth)
- h = Height (in meters)
Want to calculate energy on the Moon or Mars? You can change the gravity input too!
✨ How the Potential Energy Calculator Works
- Enter the object’s mass (in kg)
- Input the height from the ground (in meters)
- Adjust gravity (default is 9.81 m/s², Earth standard)
- Click Calculate
- Get the result in Joules (J) instantly!
📊 Example Problem (Potential Energy Calculator)
Question: What is the potential energy of a 10 kg object placed 5 meters above the ground?
Solution:
PE = 10 × 9.81 × 5 = 490.5 J
That means the object stores 490.5 joules of gravitational energy due to its height.
🛠️ Calculator Features – Potential Energy Calculator
- ✅ Solves for potential energy, mass, height, or gravity
- 🌍 Works for Earth, Moon, Mars, etc.
- ⚖️ Great for students, teachers, engineers
- 📱 Fully mobile and desktop friendly
- 📈 Provides instant, clean, and accurate results
👨🏫 Who Uses This Calculator?
This tool is helpful for:
- 👩🎓 Physics students and teachers
- 🧪 Lab researchers measuring static energy
- 🧱 Structural engineers and architects
- 🎮 Game developers simulating real-world physics
- 🧗♂️ Outdoor experts calculating energy in sports and safety
🔥 Features Included
- Potential energy calculator
- PE = mgh calculator
- Gravitational energy calculator
- Height-based energy calculator
- Calculate stored energy
- Mass and height energy formula
- Physics calculator online
- Potential vs kinetic energy tool
🧭 Related Tools on Desmos Calculators
- Kinetic Energy Calculator – calculate energy from motion
- Force Calculator – measure force applied
- Work Calculator – see how energy converts to work
🔗 External Learning Sources
- Khan Academy – Potential Energy
- BBC Bitesize – Energy Stores
- Physics Classroom – Gravitational Potential Energy
Potential Energy Calculator
✅ Final Thoughts
Understanding how much energy is stored in an object due to height is crucial in physics, engineering, and safety. With our Potential Energy Calculator, you can get precise values with ease—saving you time and effort.
🧲 Try it today and turn height into energy, the smart way!