• Gravitational potential energy is energy stored in a mass due to its position in a gravitational field
• When a heavy object is lifted, work is done since the object is provided with an upward force against the downward force of gravity
  • Therefore?energy is transferred to the object
• This equation can therefore be derived from the work done

Derivation of GPE = mgh

• Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is energy stored in a mass due to its position in a gravitational field
  • If a mass is?lifted?up, it will?gain?GPE (converted?from?other forms of energy)
  • If a mass?falls, it will?lose?GPE (and be converted?to?other forms of energy)
• The equation for gravitational potential energy for energy changes in a?uniform gravitational field?is:

Equation for GPE

GPE: The energy an object has when lifted up

• The potential energy on the Earth’s surface at ground level is taken to be equal to 0
• This equation is only relevant for energy changes in a?uniform gravitational field?(such as near the Earth’s surface)

GPE v Height graphs

• The two graphs below show how GPE changes with height for a ball being thrown up in the air and when falling down

Graphs showing the linear relationship between GPE and heigh

• Since the graphs are straight lines, GPE and height are said to have a?linear?relationship
• These graphs would be identical for GPE against time instead of height