Gravitational Potential Energy (Ug)

Definition

Gravitational potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field. It depends on the height of the object and its mass.

Analogy

Imagine a roller coaster at the top of a hill. The higher it is, the more potential energy it has. As it goes down the hill, this potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Related terms

Work (W): Work is done when a force acts on an object and causes it to move. It is calculated as the product of force and displacement.

Conservation of Energy: This principle states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another.

Gravitational Field Strength (g): Gravitational field strength represents how strong gravity is in a particular location. It determines how much gravitational potential energy an object will have at different heights.