What is gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its vertical position in a gravitational field. Lifting a mass to a height requires work against gravity; that work is released as kinetic energy when the object falls.
- • U — potential energy (joules, J = kg·m²/s²)
- • m — mass (kilograms)
- • g — gravitational acceleration (≈ 9.80665 m/s² on Earth)
- • h — height above reference level (metres)
Common examples
A 10 kg box lifted 5 m on Earth stores 10 × 9.81 × 5 ≈ 490 J. That same box on the Moon stores only about 81 J because lunar gravity is 1.62 m/s² — six times less energy for the same height.
Work and energy
PE gained by lifting equals work done against gravity, enabling energy conservation analysis in ramps, pulleys and cranes.
Roller coasters
At the top of a hill the car has maximum PE; it converts to kinetic energy as it accelerates downward.
Dams & hydropower
Water stored at height holds potential energy that turbines convert into electricity when released.
Need more physics tools?
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