1. What is Potential Energy?

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to other objects. Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass, height, and the gravitational acceleration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the potential energy formula:

Where:

• \( PE \) — Potential energy (Joules)
• \( m \) — Mass of the object (kg)
• \( g \) — Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
• \( h \) — Height above reference point (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field.

3. Importance of Potential Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating potential energy is essential in physics, engineering, and various applications including hydroelectric power generation, mechanical systems, and understanding energy conservation principles.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter mass in kilograms, height in meters, and gravitational acceleration in m/s². Standard gravity is 9.81 m/s² on Earth's surface. All values must be positive.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard value for gravitational acceleration?
A: On Earth's surface, the standard value is approximately 9.81 m/s², though it varies slightly with location and altitude.

Q2: Can potential energy be negative?
A: Yes, potential energy can be negative when the reference point is set above the object's position, but in most calculations we use positive values.

Q3: How does potential energy relate to kinetic energy?
A: Potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy when an object falls, following the principle of conservation of energy.

Q4: What are the units of potential energy?
A: The SI unit for potential energy is the Joule (J), which is equivalent to kg·m²/s².

Q5: Does potential energy depend on the path taken?
A: No, gravitational potential energy depends only on the vertical displacement and not on the path taken to reach that height.