Science & engineering
Gravitational potential energy
Calculate a near-surface energy change from a vertical height change.
A clear answer. Here’s how.
Potential-energy change ΔE = mgΔh. A negative height change gives a negative energy change. Assumes a constant gravitational field and uses the acceleration you supply; 9.80665 m/s² is the standard-gravity example.
See a worked example
Worked example
A fixed demonstration, separate from the values you enter above.
- Mass (kg)
- 10
- Vertical height change (m)
- 2
- Gravitational acceleration (m/s²)
- 9.80665
Example result
- Potential energy change (J)
- 196.133