Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate potential energy mgh on Earth, the Moon, Mars or with custom gravity.
Step-by-step working
- g = 9.80665 m/s²
- PE = m g h = 10 × 9.80665 × 5 = 490.3325 J
- v = √(2gh) = 9.9029 m/s
Mathematical Formula
Overview & Explanation
Lifting a mass against gravity stores energy equal to mgh relative to the reference level.
How It Works
- Pick g for the body.
- Multiply mass, g and height.
Practical Applications
- Hydro storage estimates.
- Physics homework.
Example 1: 10 kg lifted 5 m on Earth
490 J.
Inputs
Mass (kg): 10 · Height (m): 5 · Gravity (body): Earth (9.80665 m/s²)
Step 1
g = 9.80665 m/s²
Step 2
PE = m g h = 10 × 9.80665 × 5 = 490.3325 J
Step 3
v = √(2gh) = 9.9029 m/s
Gravitational potential energy
Result
Example 2: same on the Moon
Lower gravity.
Inputs
Mass (kg): 10 · Height (m): 5 · Gravity (body): Moon (1.62 m/s²)
Step 1
g = 1.62 m/s²
Step 2
PE = m g h = 10 × 1.62 × 5 = 81 J
Step 3
v = √(2gh) = 4.0249 m/s
Gravitational potential energy
Result
How it's calculated & sources
PE = m g h; impact speed if dropped v = √(2gh).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the reference height important?
Does it hold far from Earth?
What g is standard?
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