4.3+Gravitational+Potential+Energy


 * 4.3 ** Gravitational Potential Energy

- Energy that is the result in **__position__**

- *Remember* : FG = mg

So, the equation used to find the changes of gravitational energy (near earth’s surface) calculates the work done to raise a mass of known amount.

Therefore, it’s a variation of the “Work” formula from Chapter 4.1

W = F Δ **d** = FG Δ **h** = mg Δ **h** so, Δ EG = mg Δ **h**

So, m = mass of object (kg) g = gravitational filed strength (9.8 N/kg) Δ **h** = magnitude of vertical displacement **(h2 – h1)** (in metres) Δ EG = change in gravitational energy of the object (Joules)

Things to Remember from this chapter:

- Datum, upside down triangle to indicate the lowest point or reference “zero” point on a diagram

By: Akshay Nair