Gravitational Potential Energy

This lesson covers the gravitational potential energy (GPE) store and how to calculate it using the equation $GPE = mgh$GPE=mgh, as required by the Edexcel GCSE Combined Science specification (1SC0). You will learn how to apply the equation and link it to energy transfers.

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What Is Gravitational Potential Energy?

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in an object because of its position in a gravitational field — typically its height above the ground.

• Lifting an object increases its GPE.
• Lowering an object decreases its GPE.
• The higher the object, the greater its GPE.

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The GPE Equation

$GPE = mgh$GPE=mgh

where:

• GPE = gravitational potential energy in joules (J)
• m = mass in kilograms (kg)
• g = gravitational field strength in newtons per kilogram (N/kg)
• h = height in metres (m)

On Earth, g = 9.8 N/kg (often approximated as 10 N/kg in calculations).

Quantity	Unit	Symbol
GPE	joule	J
Mass	kilogram	kg
Gravitational field strength	N/kg	g
Height	metre	m