Physics
Gravitational potential energy
Mass times gravitational acceleration times the height above the reference point.
The Formula
PE = m x g x h
Mass times gravitational acceleration times the height above the reference point.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| E_p | Potential energy | J | Energy stored by virtue of the height. |
| m | Mass | kg | Mass of the object being lifted. |
| g | Gravitational acceleration | m/s^2 | About 9.80665 near the Earth's surface. |
| h | Height | m | Height above the chosen reference point. |
What Each Symbol Means
E_pJ
Potential energy
Energy stored by virtue of the height.
mkg
Mass
Mass of the object being lifted.
gm/s^2
Gravitational acceleration
About 9.80665 near the Earth's surface.
hm
Height
Height above the chosen reference point.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate potential energy page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Potential Energy, filed under Science. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.