Topic

Essential Knowledge

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Gravitational Potential Energy is the energy associated with the position of an object relative to the
surface of the earth and the force of attraction due to gravity. It is calculated as PE = mgh, where m is the
mass of the object (measured in kilograms), g is the acceleration of gravity = 9.8 m/s2, and h is the height
above the earth (m). 1J = (kg)(m/s2)(m) = kg-m2/s2.

P
E

Gravitational PE will increase if the height

(displacement above a reference point)
increases.

An object with a greater mass will have a

greater gravitational PE.

Study and
practice
Read pp.
66-67