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:
PE = m × g × h
(PE = Potential Energy, m = mass in kg, g = gravity in m/s², h = height in meters)
- 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:
PE
KE
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 |