How to Calculate Gravitational Potential Energy?

What is gravitational potential energy?

What is the formula to calculate gravitational potential energy?

Answer

Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula to calculate gravitational potential energy is:

PE = mgh

Gravitational potential energy refers to the energy stored in an object as a result of its vertical position or height above a reference point. In the case of the scenario provided, a man lifts a barbell 2 meters above the ground, resulting in an increase in gravitational potential energy.

The formula to calculate gravitational potential energy is PE = mgh, where:
- PE is the gravitational potential energy
- m is the mass of the object (in this case, 120 kg)
- g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2)
- h is the height of the object above the reference point (2 m)

By substituting the values given into the formula, the calculation is as follows:
PE = (120 kg) * (9.8 m/s^2) * (2 m)
PE = 2,352 Joules

Therefore, the gain in gravitational potential energy of the barbell when lifted 2 meters above the ground is 2,352 Joules.