Physics
Basic

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy stored due to height in a gravitational field.

Formula

PE=mghPE = mgh

Variables

mMass
gGravity (9.81)
hHeight

Example

A 1 kg book on a 2 m shelf: PE = 1·9.8·2 ≈ 19.6 J.

Did You Know?

Gravitational potential energy is why a raised hammer, or water behind a dam, stores usable power.