Potential Energy Calculator
Inputs
Enter parameters to calculate Gravitational Potential Energy, Mass, or Height.
What is Potential Energy?
Potential Energy (PE) is the energy stored in an object due to its position relative to other objects. This calculator specifically focuses on Gravitational Potential Energy, which is the energy an object possesses because of its height above the ground.
Think of a rock at the top of a hill. It isn't moving (no kinetic energy yet), but it has the "potential" to do work if it rolls down. That potential is based on how high it is and how heavy it is.
The Potential Energy Formula
The formula for gravitational potential energy is:
PE = m × g × h- PE = Potential Energy (Joules, J)
- m = Mass (Kilograms, kg)
- g = Acceleration due to Gravity (9.8 m/s² on Earth)
- h = Height (meters, m)
Gravity on Different Planets
Since 'g' is a key part of the formula, your potential energy changes if you go to another planet!
- Earth: g ≈ 9.8 m/s²
- Moon: g ≈ 1.62 m/s² (about 1/6th of Earth's)
- Mars: g ≈ 3.71 m/s²
This means lifting a heavy object on the Moon requires much less energy than lifting it on Earth.
Examples
Example 1: Lifting a Box
You lift a 10 kg box to a shelf 2 meters high.
- Mass (m) = 10 kg
- Height (h) = 2 m
- Gravity (g) = 9.8 m/s²
- PE = 10 × 9.8 × 2 = 196 Joules
Example 2: Diver
A 60 kg diver stands on a 10m platform.
- Mass (m) = 60 kg
- Height (h) = 10 m
- PE = 60 × 9.8 × 10 = 5,880 Joules
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Potential Energy be negative?
Yes, if the object is below the reference point (height = 0). For example, if you define sea level as h=0, a submarine has negative gravitational potential energy relative to sea level.
What happens to PE when an object falls?
It converts into Kinetic Energy! As height decreases, PE decreases, but velocity increases, so KE increases. Total energy remains constant (ignoring friction).
Is there only gravitational PE?
No. There is also elastic potential energy (like a stretched spring), electric potential energy, chemical, and nuclear potential energy. This calculator focuses on gravitational.