Mass times Gravity times Height equals Potential Energy
* Mass (m): The amount of matter in an object.
* Gravity (g): The force of attraction between objects with mass. On Earth, the standard acceleration due to gravity is approximately 9.8 m/s².
* Height (h): The vertical distance from a reference point (often the ground).
* Potential Energy (PE): The energy stored in an object due to its position relative to a reference point.
The formula:
* PE = mgh
What this means:
The higher an object is above the ground, the more potential energy it has. This is because if the object is released, gravity will pull it down, converting its potential energy into kinetic energy (the energy of motion).
Example:
A 10 kg rock is lifted 5 meters above the ground. Its potential energy is:
* PE = (10 kg) * (9.8 m/s²) * (5 m) = 490 Joules (J)
Important note: This formula assumes a constant gravitational field. In reality, gravity can vary slightly depending on location.
