What is the formula for calculating gravitational potential energy?

The formula for calculating gravitational potential energy is (PE = mgh), where (PE) stands for potential energy, (m) represents the mass of the object, (g) is the acceleration due to gravity (approximately (9.81 , m/s²) on the surface of the Earth), and (h) is the height of the object above a reference point, typically the ground level.

This equation describes how the gravitational potential energy of an object increases with both its mass and its height above the ground. As an object's height increases, the potential energy increases because it has the potential to fall due to the force of gravity acting upon it. Conversely, a greater mass also results in higher gravitational potential energy since heavier objects have more gravitational force acting on them.

Gravitational potential energy is a key concept in physics because it illustrates the potential energy stored in an object due to its position in a gravitational field, which is critical for understanding energy conservation and mechanical systems.