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Height - GCSE Physics Definition

Reviewed by: Caroline Carroll

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Height is a measure of the vertical distance from a specific point or base level, such as the ground, to an object or a point in space. It is often used in the context of determining the potential energy of that object in a gravitational field. In GCSE Physics, height is a crucial factor when calculating gravitational potential energy, which is given by the formula:

G P E space equals space m g h

where

  • G P E is the potential energy in joules

  • m is the mass of the object in kilograms

  • g is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately 9.8 space m divided by s squared on Earth)

  • h is the height in metres

Understanding height and its impact on energy is essential for examining how energy is transferred and conserved in different physical systems.

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Caroline Carroll

Reviewer: Caroline Carroll

Expertise: Physics & Chemistry Subject Lead

Caroline graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Chemistry and Molecular Physics. She spent several years working as an Industrial Chemist in the automotive industry before retraining to teach. Caroline has over 12 years of experience teaching GCSE and A-level chemistry and physics. She is passionate about creating high-quality resources to help students achieve their full potential.

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