Science · Grades 8–11
Gravitational potential energy
Height is measured above the chosen reference level. Use the value of g stated in the question.
The key idea
Height is measured above the chosen reference level. Use the value of g stated in the question.
ΔE_p = mgΔh (constant g)
Worked examples
Lift a 8 kg mass vertically by 1 m. Using g = 10 m/s², find the increase in gravitational potential energy in J.
8 × 10 × 1 = 80
80 J
Lift a 15 kg mass vertically by 25 m. Using g = 10 m/s², find the increase in gravitational potential energy in J.
15 × 10 × 25 = 3750
3750 J
Try it yourself
Lift a 32 kg mass vertically by 11 m. Using g = 10 m/s², find the increase in gravitational potential energy in J.
Lift a 16 kg mass vertically by 4 m. Using g = 10 m/s², find the increase in gravitational potential energy in J.
Check your understanding
Answers and marking notes
- 3520 J
32 × 10 × 11 = 3520
- 640 J
16 × 10 × 4 = 640
Further reading and review references
These are reference links, not copied exercises, institutional endorsement or proof of independent review.
Learning preview · teacher review required. Grade bands are approximate, not official curriculum alignment.