Potential Energy Calculator

The potential energy calculator provides users with a convenient way to determine how much gravitational potential energy an object stores, based on its mass and height due to its position. 

This tool aids in precise scientific analysis and engineering applications where understanding potential energy is essential for designing and solving complex systems and problems.

Steps to Use Potential Energy Calculator:

Calculating potential energy may seem complex, but Thanks to the Gravitational potential energy calculator, it becomes as easy as a few clicks. To use the tool all you need to do is just enter a couple of inputs to make the tool work.

What to Enter:

Step 1: First, you have to select a parameter:

• Potential energy 
• Mass
• Height
• Gravity

Step 2: Then put all the given values against that parameter.

Step 3: Press the Calculate button.

What you Get:

• Gravity
• Mass of the object
• Height of the object
• The potential energy of the object
• Detailed calculation of the problem

Potential Energy Equation:

The gravitational potential energy formula is given as: 

GPE  =  m × g × h

Where,

• G.P.E - The gravitational potential energy of an object, usually expressed in joules
• m - The mass of an object, usually in kilograms
• g - The gravitational acceleration, the standard value for Earth is approximately $ 9.8\, \text{m/s}^2 $
• h - The height above the ground, usually in meters

How to Calculate Potential Energy?

If you are confused about how to find potential energy manually, here we are going to show you a real-life example that helps you calculate the potential energy by using its formula. You can also try our free potential energy calculator for this.

Example:

Imagine a ski jumper getting ready to jump from a hill. This jumper weighs (m) 70 kilograms and is standing (h) 50 meters above the ground. Let's figure out how much potential energy the ski jumper has before taking off.

Solution:

We'll use the potential energy formula:

GPE  =  m × g × h

• m - (mass of the ski jumper) = 70 kg
• g - (acceleration due to gravity) ≈ 9.8 m/s² (standard value on Earth)
• h - (height) = 50 meters

Now, plug these values into the formula:

GPE = 70kg × 9.8 m/s² × 50 meters

GPE = 34,200 joules

As a result, the ski jumper has 34,200 joules of energy before they jump.

FAQs:

What is Potential Energy?

According to physics, potential energy is defined as:

“The amount of energy stored in an object due to its state or position is known as potential energy”.

How many types of potential energies are there?

Basically, there are two types of potential energy:

• Gravitational potential energy
• Elastic potential energy

What does potential energy depend on?

Potential energy is the amount of energy stored that is dependent on the position of different components of a system. For example, a spring has a higher potential energy when compressed or stretched. Similarly, a steel ball has an increased potential energy when raised above the ground compared to when it falls to the ground.

References:

Physicsclassroom.com: Potential Energy and Gravitational Potential Energy