EnergyKey Facts

How to Rearrange the GPE Equation

Part of Gravitational Potential EnergyGCSE Physics

This key facts covers How to Rearrange the GPE Equation within Gravitational Potential Energy for GCSE Physics. Revise Gravitational Potential Energy in Energy for GCSE Physics with 15 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 8 of 16 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.

Topic position

Section 8 of 16

Practice

15 questions

Recall

6 flashcards

🔧 How to Rearrange the GPE Equation

Starting equation: Ep = mgh

To find mass: m = Ep / (g × h)

To find height: h = Ep / (m × g)

To find g: g = Ep / (m × h)

💡 Exam tip: Height must be VERTICAL. If an object moves along a slope, only use the vertical height change in your GPE calculation, NOT the distance along the slope.

Keep building this topic

Read this section alongside the surrounding pages in Gravitational Potential Energy. That gives you the full topic sequence instead of a single isolated revision point.

Practice Questions for Gravitational Potential Energy

What is the value of gravitational field strength (g) on Earth?

  • A. 9.8 N/kg
  • B. 9.8 m/s
  • C. 10 kg/N
  • D. 6.7 N/kg
1 markfoundation

Explain how gravitational potential energy is related to an object's mass and height. Refer to the equation Ep = mgh in your answer.

3 marksstandard

Quick Recall Flashcards

GPE ∝ mass
double the mass, double the GPE (directly proportional)
GPE ∝ g
same object at same height on Moon has 1/6 the GPE as on Earth

Want to test your knowledge?

PrepWise has 15 exam-style questions and 6 flashcards for Gravitational Potential Energy — with adaptive difficulty and instant feedback.

Join Alpha