What it is: Energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field — essentially, how high it is above a reference point.
Key relationships:
- GPE ∝ mass — double the mass, double the GPE (directly proportional)
- GPE ∝ height — double the height, double the GPE (directly proportional)
- GPE ∝ g — same object at same height on Moon has 1/6 the GPE as on Earth
The reference point:
- GPE is always measured relative to something — usually the ground
- What matters is the HEIGHT CHANGE, not absolute position
- An object can have negative GPE if it's below the reference point (e.g., down a well)
This key facts covers Key Facts — Gravitational Potential Energy 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 3 of 16 in this topic. Use this key facts to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Gravitational Potential Energy
What is the value of gravitational field strength (g) on Earth?
Explain how gravitational potential energy is related to an object's mass and height. Refer to the equation Ep = mgh in your answer.