EngiRef / Mechanical Engineering Formula

Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational Potential Energy: Energy due to height in a uniform gravitational field. A Dynamics formula in mechanical engineering. Variables PE, m, g and h…

Dynamics

Specification

Name
Gravitational Potential Energy
Discipline
mechanical
Category
Dynamics
LaTeX
PE = mgh
Description
Energy due to height in a uniform gravitational field
Conditions
Measured relative to a chosen reference height
Can solve for
PE, m, h
Tags
potential, energy, gravity, height

Variables

Variables for Gravitational Potential Energy
SymbolNameUnitSi UnitImperial Unit
PEPotential EnergyJJft·lbf
mMasskgkgslug
gGravitym/s²m/s²ft/s²
hHeightmmft