Gravitational Potential Energy (OCR A Level Physics)

Revision Note

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Katie M

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Katie M

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Gravitational Potential Energy (Eₚ)

  • Gravitational potential energy (Ep) is energy stored in a mass due to its position in a gravitational field
    • If a mass is lifted up, it will gain Ep (converted from other forms of energy)
    • If a mass falls, it will lose Ep (and be converted to other forms of energy)

  • The equation for gravitational potential energy for energy changes in a uniform gravitational field is:

GPE equation, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

GPE diagram, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Gravitational potential energy (GPE): The energy an object has when lifted up

  • The potential energy on the Earth’s surface at ground level is taken to be equal to 0
  • This equation is only relevant for energy changes in a uniform gravitational field (such as near the Earth’s surface)

Derivation of GPE Equation

  • When a heavy object is lifted, work is done since the object is provided with an upward force against the downward force of gravity
    • Therefore energy is transferred to the object

  • This equation can therefore be derived from the work done

Derivation of GPE = mgh, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Worked example

To get to his apartment a man has to climb five flights of stairs.

The height of each flight is 3.7 m and the man has a mass of 74 kg.

What is the approximate gain in the man's gravitational potential energy during the climb?

A.     13 000 J               B.     2700 J               C.     1500 J               D.     12 500 J

WE - GPE answer image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Examiner Tip

In your exam, you will be expected to know how to derive the gravitational potential energy equation from first principles, so make sure to practice this derivation!

Exchange Between Eₖ and Eₚ

  • There are many scenarios that involve the transfer of kinetic energy into gravitational potential, or vice versa
  • Some examples are:
    • A swinging pendulum
    • Objects in freefall
    • Sports which involve falling, such as skiing and skydiving

  • Using the principle of conservation of energy, and taking any drag forces as negligible:

Loss in potential energy = Gain in kinetic energy

Worked example

The diagram below shows a skier on a slope descending 750 m at an angle of 25° to the horizontal.Kinetic GPE Transfer Worked Example, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesCalculate the final speed of the skier, assuming that he starts from rest and 15% of his initial gravitational potential energy is not transferred to kinetic energy.

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Kinetic GPE Transfer Worked Example Ans, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

    • Vertical height, h = 750 sin 25°
    • Ek = 0.85 Ep

Step 2: Equate the equations for Ek and Ep

Ek = 0.85 Ep

½ mv2 = 0.85 × mgh

Step 3: Rearrange for final speed, v

Step 4: Calculate the final speed, v

Examiner Tip

GPE:

  • This equation only works for objects close to the Earth’s surface where we can consider the gravitational field to be uniform.
  • At A level, you might have to consider examples where the gravitational field is not uniform, such as in space, where this equation for GPE will not be relevant.

KE:

  • When using the kinetic energy equation, note that only the speed is squared, not the mass or the ½.
  • If a question asks about the ‘loss of kinetic energy’, remember not to include a negative sign since energy is a scalar quantity.

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.