Gravitational potential energy

The potential energy of an object in the gravitational field is calculated from the altitudinal position of the object and its mass. It is defined as the work needed to rise the object by this height.

With this calculator you can calculate the potential energy U with a given mass m and a given height h. Calculations vice versa are also possible. A value of 9.80665 m/s² is used for the gravitational acceleration.

Usage: Always choose the correct unit in the corresponding pull-down-menu before you type a value. Type the given values into the corresponding fields. After a mouse click on any free space of the window or the "calculate"-button the calculation is performed. The fields with the input quantities have a light green background, the background of the output quantities is colored pink.
For another calculation with a value that has been calculated before, click on the radio button in front of the value. The line with this quantity will be recolored light green and become input value for the next calculation. The calculation is always performed with the two quantities changed last.
Click on the "reset"-button to reset the calculation.

Mont Ventoux. Example: Two cyclists (65 kg and 80 kg) want to ride from Bédoin to the top of Mont Ventoux (1912 m). The gain in altitude is 1610 m. How much more energy the heavier rider has to provide?
Type the mass difference (15 kg) and the height gain (1610 m) into the corresponding fields. After the next mouse click on any free space of the window or the "calculate"-button you can read the value of the potential energy (e.g. 236.8 kJ).
In the pull-down menu for the energy unit you can also choose another unit (e.g. 56.6 kcal). However, the result is based on the height difference only. Friction and similar effects are not considered.

Remarks:
- Please note the remarks about the representation of numbers..
- There is no warranty for the calculation. Cactus2000 is not responsible for damage of any kind caused by wrong results.
- Please send an email if you have suggestions or if you would like to see more conversions to be included.

© Bernd Krüger, 16.02.2013, 06.08.2018