Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy stored by height in a gravity field.
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Formula
PE = m g h
Gravitational potential energy relative to a reference height is mass times gravitational acceleration times height. Default g is 9.80665 m/s².
Worked example
2 kg lifted 10 m stores PE ≈ 196 J — the work needed against gravity (ignoring air drag).
Where this can give the wrong answer
- Height sign depends on your zero reference; negative h means below the datum.
- Near Earth g varies slightly with latitude and altitude.
- Large heights may need g(h) correction for precision orbit work.
FAQ
- You choose the reference — floor level, sea level, or any baseline. Only differences in PE matter for many problems.