This page provides insight into determining the potential energy of a body and provides a function to help you calculate it. Calculation variables include mass, acceleration due to gravity, and vertical distance from the ground.
Calculation
Inputs
Mass, m
:10kg
g
:10m/s^2
h, m
:5m
Here are the variables for the equation
Output
PE
:500J
PE=mgh
Explanation
Figure 1: Diagram Illustrating Potential and Kinetic Energy
Potential energy is stored in an object due to its position or arrangement with other objects. When moving, potential energy can be transformed into kinetic energy (energy of motion). An object's potential energy depends on its mass, gravity, and height above a reference point.