7.4 - Gravitational Potential Energy
The gravitational potential energy store
- Lifting an object higher off the ground transfers energy to its gravitational potential energy store.
- Any object raised above the ground has energy in this store, and the higher it is, the more energy it holds.
- Lifting takes a force acting against gravity - this is what transfers the energy into the store.
- When the object is lowered or allowed to fall, energy is transferred back out of the store again.
What gravitational potential energy depends on
- Mass - A heavier object has more energy in its gravitational potential energy store than a lighter one at the same height.
- Height - The higher an object is raised, the more energy is transferred to its gravitational potential energy store.
- Gravitational field strength - The stronger the gravitational field the object is in, the more energy is stored for the same mass and height.
TermDefinition
Gravitational potential energy storeThe energy an object has because of its position in a gravitational field, such as its height above the ground.