Potential Energy
Gravitational potential energy PE = mgh. It increases with height and mass; it depends on the planet (g).
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Gravitational potential energy
The gravitational potential energy of an object near the Earth is PE = mgh, where m is mass, g is the gravitational field strength (about 10 N/kg on Earth), and h is the height above a chosen reference level (often the ground). On the Moon, g is smaller, so PE for the same mass and height is less.
✔ Key takeaway: PE = mgh; depends on mass, g, and height.
Link to simulator: Lift the object and compare PE on Earth vs Moon.
💭 Think about this:
Where do we choose the zero of potential energy, and why does it matter?