Gravitational energy

2017-08-31T20:04:11Z

128.138.65.210: /* Formula */Fixed typo

'''Gravitational energy''' is the [[potential energy]] held by an object because of its high position compared to a lower position. In other words, it is energy associated with [[gravity]] or [[gravitational force]]. For example, a pen being held above a table has a higher [[gravitational potential]] than a pen sitting on the table. Gravitational potential energy is [[mechanical energy]] minus [[kinetic energy]]. It has a scalar quantity measured in [[Joule]]s (J).

An object gets gravitational potential energy when it moves uphill. The energy used up when moving up the hill is changed into gravitational potential energy. When the object comes back down again, the gravitational potential energy is turned back into [[kinetic energy]] (movement). That is why riding a [[Bicycle|bike]] up a steep hill is very hard, but when you are coming back down, you will not need to pedal at all - you are being powered by the gravitational potential energy that you stored when you rode up the hill. Another way gravitational potential energy helps us is by keeping earth and the other planets in orbit in our solar system around the [[Sun]].

== Formula ==
The mathematical formula for the gravitational [[potential energy]] of an object is:

Gravitational potential energy = <math>mgh</math>

=== Key ===
Where:
* m is the ''mass of the object'',
* g the ''gravitational pull'' of the object
* h the ''height above a chosen point''.

==== Measurements ====
Typical measurement units for the equation are:
*The value m is in kilograms,
*The value h is in metres,
*The value g is 9.81 in metres per second squared.

[[Category:Energy]]
[[Category:Mechanics]]

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Gravitational energy