gravitational potential energy

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field, typically relative to a reference point.

Front

How is gravitational potential energy calculated?

Back

Gravitational potential energy (PE) is calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height above a reference point.

Front

What happens to gravitational potential energy when an object is lifted higher?

Back

When an object is lifted higher, its gravitational potential energy increases because the height (h) in the formula PE = mgh increases.

Front

Which point has the least gravitational potential energy in a system?

Back

The point at the lowest height in a gravitational field has the least gravitational potential energy.

Front

Why does an object have more gravitational potential energy at a higher elevation?

Back

An object has more gravitational potential energy at a higher elevation because it has the potential to do more work due to its increased height in the gravitational field.

Front

What is the relationship between gravitational potential energy and kinetic energy during free fall?

Back

As an object falls freely, its gravitational potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases, conserving the total mechanical energy in the absence of air resistance.

Front

What factors affect gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is affected by the object's mass, the height above a reference point, and the strength of the gravitational field.

Front

How does gravitational potential energy relate to mass?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object; as mass increases, gravitational potential energy increases.

Front

What is the significance of gravitational potential energy in real-world applications?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is significant in various applications, such as roller coasters, hydroelectric power generation, and understanding the motion of celestial bodies.

Front

What is the gravitational potential energy of an object at ground level?

Back

The gravitational potential energy of an object at ground level is considered to be zero, as it is the reference point for measuring height.