Gravitational Potential Energy

This type of potential (stored) energy is due to the position of an object. If an object of mass m is lifted at a constant speed by a height of h we can say that the acceleration is zero. Since F=ma we can also say that the overall force is zero, this means that the lifting force is equal to the weight of the object F=mg

We can now calculate the work done in lifting the object through a height, h.

Since work done = energy transferred

Height is a measure of distance which is measured in metres, m

Gravitational Potential Energy is measured in Joules, J