Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate gravitational potential energy for objects
Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula:
- PE = m × g × h
- m = mass in kilograms (kg)
- g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s²
- h = height in meters (m)
- PE = potential energy in Joules (J)
- For foot-pound units, multiply Joules by 0.737562149
This calculator handles all necessary unit conversions automatically.
Common Units:
- Mass: Measured in kilograms (kg)
- Height: Measured in meters (m)
- Gravity: Measured in meters per second squared (m/s²)
- Energy: Measured in Joules (J) or foot-pounds (ft⋅lb)
Key Conversions:
- 1 Joule = 0.737562149 foot-pounds
- 1 kg = 2.20462262 pounds
- 1 meter = 3.28084 feet
- Earth gravity = 9.81 m/s²
Potential energy calculations are essential for:
- Construction and architecture
- Hydroelectric power generation
- Roller coaster design
- Elevator systems
- Energy storage systems
- Space mission planning
What is gravitational potential energy?
Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It represents the work done against gravity to lift an object to a certain height, and the energy available when the object falls.
Why does height matter?
Height directly affects potential energy because it determines how far an object can fall under gravity. The greater the height, the more energy is stored and available to be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy during falling.
Why use different gravity values?
Different gravity values are used when calculating potential energy on different celestial bodies. For example, the Moon's gravity is about 1/6 of Earth's, while Jupiter's is about 2.4 times stronger, affecting the potential energy accordingly.