How do you calculate gravitational potential energy?

To calculate gravitational potential energy, use the formula E = mgh, where m is mass, g is acceleration due to gravity, and h is height.

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It is measured in joules (J) and can be calculated using the formula E = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth), and h is the height of the object above a reference point.

To use this formula, you need to know the mass of the object and its height above the reference point. The reference point is usually taken to be the ground or some other fixed point. For example, if you have a 2 kg object on a shelf that is 3 meters above the ground, the gravitational potential energy of the object is:

E = mgh = 2 kg x 9.81 m/s² x 3 m = 58.86 J

This means that the object has 58.86 J of potential energy due to its position in the gravitational field. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, if the object is allowed to fall.

It is important to note that gravitational potential energy is a relative quantity, meaning it depends on the reference point chosen. If you choose a different reference point, the gravitational potential energy will be different.