How is gravitational potential energy calculated in a gravitational field?

Gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula E = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the gravitational field strength, and h is the height.

Gravitational potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is E = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the gravitational field strength, and h is the height of the object above a reference point. The reference point is usually taken to be the ground level.

The gravitational field strength is a measure of the force per unit mass acting on an object in a gravitational field. It is usually denoted by the symbol g and has a value of approximately 9.81 m/s² on the surface of the Earth. The height h is measured in metres and is the vertical distance between the object and the reference point.

The gravitational potential energy of an object can be increased by raising it to a greater height or by increasing its mass. Conversely, the gravitational potential energy can be decreased by lowering the object to a lower height or by reducing its mass.

In summary, gravitational potential energy is calculated using the formula E = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the gravitational field strength, and h is the height. This formula is used to determine the amount of energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field.

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