Potential Energy Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the potential energy calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Potential Energy
potential_energy = mass * gravity * heightPotential Energy (kJ)
pe_kj = mass * gravity * height / 1000Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
mass | Mass(kg) | 10 |
gravity | Gravitational Acceleration(m/s²) | 9.81 |
height | Height(m) | 20 |
How It Works
Gravitational Potential Energy
Potential energy represents stored energy due to an object's position in a gravitational field.
Formula
PE = m * g * h
where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height above a reference point.
Worked Example
A 10 kg object is raised 20 meters above the ground.
mass = 10gravity = 9.81height = 20
- 01PE = m * g * h
- 02PE = 10 * 9.81 * 20
- 03PE = 1962 J
- 04PE = 1.962 kJ
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Potential Energy Calculator