Gravitational Potential Energy
Definition
Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field. It depends on the height of the object above a reference point and its mass.
Analogy
Imagine a roller coaster at the top of a hill. The higher it is, the more potential energy it has. As it goes down the hill, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.
Related terms
Kinetic Energy: The energy possessed by an object due to its motion.
Conservation of Energy: The principle that states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed.
Reference Point: A fixed location used as a basis for measuring positions or energies.
"Gravitational Potential Energy" appears in:
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Practice Questions (2)
Planet X with a mass of m has a circular orbit of radius R around Star Y which has a mass of M. What is the gravitational potential energy of the system consisting of Planet X and Star Y?
A hiker with a mass of 65kg stops at the top of a 60m hill on Earth. What is their gravitational potential energy?
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