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 is calculated based on an object's mass, height, and the gravitational acceleration.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the potential energy formula:

Where:

• \( m \) — 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 fundamental in physics and engineering for understanding energy conservation, mechanical systems, and designing structures.

4. Using The Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the standard value for gravitational acceleration?
A: On Earth, 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 above the object, 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 as an object falls, following the principle of conservation of energy.

Q4: Does the shape of an object affect its potential energy?
A: No, for gravitational potential energy, only the object's mass and height above the reference point matter, not its shape.

Q5: What are common units for potential energy?
A: The SI unit for energy is the joule (J), which equals 1 kg·m²/s².