Gravitational energy
Gravitational energy
The energy that is stored in the gravitational field is called gravitational potential energy, or potential energy due to gravity.
Gravitational (or gravitational potential energy) is the energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field. The most common use of gravitational potential energy is for an object near the surface of the Earth where the gravitational acceleration can be assumed to be constant at about 9.8 m/s2. See potential energy.
It is important to make difference between potential energy and gravitational energy.
Every object may have potential energy but gravitational energy is only stored in the height of the object. Any time that a heavy object is kept high up, a force or power is likely to be holding it up there. This is the reason why it stays up and does not fall. It is important to note that the heavier the object, the more its potential energy.
Gravitational potential energy is usually given the symbol Ug,
Ug = m.g.h,
m – a mass of the object, measured in kilograms (kg)
g – the magnitude of the gravitational acceleration, measured in m/s2
h – vertical distance to the object (height), measured in meters (m)