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4 Dec 2025

312

5 pages

Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy

user profile picture

Stanislaw Gorzach @futureinyoureyes

Ever wondered why a bungee jumper slows down at the top of their jump or how roller coasters... Show more

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in objects when they're lifted above the Earth's surface. Think of it as nature's battery - the higher something is, the more energy it's storing up.

A bungee jumper perfectly demonstrates this concept. At the top of the platform, they're packed with GPE. As they fall, this stored energy converts into movement energy, making them speed up.

The GPE formula is straightforward GPE = mass × gravitational field strength × height. On Earth, we use g = 10 m/s² sometimes9.8m/s2sometimes 9.8 m/s² as our gravitational field strength.

Quick Tip Remember that GPE depends on three things - how heavy the object is, how high it is, and which planet you're on!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Calculating GPE - Worked Example

Let's work through a proper calculation using a 12 kg dog at a height of 3.4 km (that's 3400 metres).

Using our formula GPE = mgh

  • m = 12 kg (mass of dog)
  • g = 9.8 m/s² (gravitational field strength)
  • h = 3400 m (height)

GPE = 12 × 9.8 × 3400 = 399,840 J

Remember Always convert kilometres to metres in your calculations - it's a common exam mistake to forget this step!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

GPE to Kinetic Energy Conversion

This is where physics gets exciting! Energy conversion between GPE and kinetic energy (KE) explains how roller coasters work without needing engines on every hill.

Picture a 1000 kg car on a roller coaster. At the top (45 m high), it has maximum GPE but zero KE because it's stationary. As it rolls down, GPE converts to KE, making the car speed up.

At the bottom, all that stored energy becomes movement energy - maximum KE and zero GPE. The car then has enough energy to climb the next hill, converting KE back to GPE.

This energy transfer continues throughout the ride, assuming no energy is lost to friction, heat, or sound.

Physics in Action Next time you're on a roller coaster, you'll know exactly why the first hill is always the tallest - it needs to give enough GPE to power the entire ride!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object
P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

We thought you’d never ask...

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Where can I download the Knowunity app?

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Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Physics

312

4 Dec 2025

5 pages

Understanding Gravitational Potential Energy

user profile picture

Stanislaw Gorzach

@futureinyoureyes

Ever wondered why a bungee jumper slows down at the top of their jump or how roller coasters work without engines? It's all about gravitational potential energy- the stored energy objects have simply because of their height above the... Show more

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

What is Gravitational Potential Energy?

Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy stored in objects when they're lifted above the Earth's surface. Think of it as nature's battery - the higher something is, the more energy it's storing up.

A bungee jumper perfectly demonstrates this concept. At the top of the platform, they're packed with GPE. As they fall, this stored energy converts into movement energy, making them speed up.

The GPE formula is straightforward: GPE = mass × gravitational field strength × height. On Earth, we use g = 10 m/s² sometimes9.8m/s2sometimes 9.8 m/s² as our gravitational field strength.

Quick Tip: Remember that GPE depends on three things - how heavy the object is, how high it is, and which planet you're on!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Calculating GPE - Worked Example

Let's work through a proper calculation using a 12 kg dog at a height of 3.4 km (that's 3400 metres).

Using our formula: GPE = mgh

  • m = 12 kg (mass of dog)
  • g = 9.8 m/s² (gravitational field strength)
  • h = 3400 m (height)

GPE = 12 × 9.8 × 3400 = 399,840 J

Remember: Always convert kilometres to metres in your calculations - it's a common exam mistake to forget this step!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

GPE to Kinetic Energy Conversion

This is where physics gets exciting! Energy conversion between GPE and kinetic energy (KE) explains how roller coasters work without needing engines on every hill.

Picture a 1000 kg car on a roller coaster. At the top (45 m high), it has maximum GPE but zero KE because it's stationary. As it rolls down, GPE converts to KE, making the car speed up.

At the bottom, all that stored energy becomes movement energy - maximum KE and zero GPE. The car then has enough energy to climb the next hill, converting KE back to GPE.

This energy transfer continues throughout the ride, assuming no energy is lost to friction, heat, or sound.

Physics in Action: Next time you're on a roller coaster, you'll know exactly why the first hill is always the tallest - it needs to give enough GPE to power the entire ride!

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

P1 - Gravitational
Potential Energy
26/11/2022 What is gravitational potential energy?
The gravitational potential energy (GPE)
of an object

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user