What's the formula for gravitational potential energy?

The formula for gravitational potential energy is U = mgh, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height.

Gravitational potential energy is a type of potential energy that is associated with the gravitational field. This energy is dependent on the relative position within a gravitational field. The higher the height and mass, the higher the gravitational potential energy. The formula U = mgh is derived from the work done against gravity to raise an object to a certain height.

In this formula, 'U' represents the gravitational potential energy. 'm' stands for the mass of the object, which is measured in kilograms (kg). 'g' is the gravitational acceleration, which on Earth is approximately 9.8 m/s². Lastly, 'h' is the height above the ground, measured in metres (m).

It's important to note that the gravitational potential energy is always measured relative to a reference point. This means that you can set where the potential energy equals zero. Often, this reference point is set to be the ground, where the height (h) is zero, and therefore, the gravitational potential energy (U) is also zero.

The concept of gravitational potential energy is crucial in physics because it helps us understand how energy is conserved in a system. For instance, when an object is lifted, work is done on it to overcome the force of gravity. This work is then stored as gravitational potential energy, which can be converted back into kinetic energy when the object is dropped.

In conclusion, the formula U = mgh is a simple yet powerful tool in physics. It allows us to calculate the gravitational potential energy of an object, helping us understand the principles of energy conservation and the interplay between different forms of energy.