Gravitational Potential Energy at the Earth’s Surface (Eg)

Potential energy is energy stored in an object that can be converted into another form of energy.
 Ex: chemical energy, elastic potential energy, nuclear energy.

Gravitational Potential Energy – is due the elevation of an object above the Earth’s surface.

A force must be exerted equal to the weight of the mass to lift an object vertically at a constant
speed:
W = (Fapp)Δd
W = (FcosӨ)Δy
W = mg(cos0°)Δy
W = mgΔy

When an object is at a position above a reference level, it has gravitational potential energy. This is
due to the work done in increasing the elevation of an object is equal to the change in the
gravitational potential energy, therefore:

Δ Eg = mgΔy or Δ Eg = mgΔh

Where: Δy is the vertical displacement of the object.

 Δy is positive if the displacement is upward and negative is the displacement is downward.

Example: A 1200 kg roller coaster car moves from point A to Point B then to Point C. What is the
Eg at B & C relative to A?

12m

7m