Loading...
Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate PE = mgh with step-by-step solutions and planetary comparisons.
Formula:PE = mgh
Results
Potential Energy490.3325 J
Energy (J)490.33 J
Mass10.00 kg
Height5.00 m
Gravity9.81 m/s²
PE = mgh
Gravitational potential energy
Potential Energy
490.33 J
Energy
490.33 J
0.1172 kcal
Height
5.00 m
16.41 ft
Gravity
9.81 m/s²
Gravitational PE
1
Formula
PE = mgh
2
Values
m=10kg, g=9.8067m/s², h=5m
3
Calculate
PE = 490.3325 J
Energy Conversions
Joules
490.3 J
Kilojoules
0.4903 kJ
Megajoules
0.0004903 MJ
Calories
117.2 cal
Kilocalories (food calories)
0.1172 kcal
British Thermal Units
0.4647 BTU
Quick Answer
Gravitational potential energy is stored energy due to height: PE = mgh. A 10 kg object at 5 m height on Earth has PE = 10 × 9.81 × 5 = 490.5 J. This energy converts to kinetic energy when falling.
Key Facts
- PE = mgh (mass × gravity × height)
- PE is relative to a reference point (usually ground level)
- On Earth, g = 9.81 m/s²; varies by planet
- PE converts to KE when falling: PE_top = KE_bottom
- Doubling height doubles potential energy
Frequently Asked Questions
It's stored energy due to an object's position in a gravitational field. Higher objects have more PE. The formula PE = mgh shows it depends on mass, gravitational acceleration, and height.
PE is always measured relative to some reference height (usually ground = 0). What matters is the change in PE, not the absolute value.
When an object falls, PE converts to KE. At the top: all PE, no KE. At the bottom: no PE, all KE. Total mechanical energy stays constant (ignoring air resistance).
Joseph OrdunaFounder & Software Engineer
Full-stack software engineer specializing in embedded systems, web architecture, and AI/ML. Founder of Practical Web Tools. Built the gesture-controlled drone IP acquired by KD Interactive (Aura Drone, sold on Amazon).
Results
Potential Energy490.3325 J
Energy (J)490.33 J
Mass10.00 kg
Height5.00 m
Gravity9.81 m/s²