Physics Formulas:
Gravitational Potential Energy
The questions on this page test your ability to use the formula:
Change in GPE = mass × gravity × change in height
You may also wish to learn the formula in characters:
GPE = mgh
Question 1
A boy has a mass of 55 kg.
He climbs 12 m up a tree.
What is his gain in GPE?
[Earth's gravity = 10 N/kg]
Question 2
An owl has a mass of 4 kg.
It dives to catch a mouse losing 800 J of GPE.
How high was the bird to begin with?
Question 3
An astronaut has a total mass of 110 kg.
On the moon, he climbs into his spacecraft, 5 m up a ladder.
His GPE increases by 880 J.
What is the strength of gravity on the moon?
| 
Energy Menu