Potential Energy

Elevation and potential energy

When a body of mass is elevated against the gravitational force the potential energy can be expressed as

E_p = F_g dh

    =  m g dh         (1)

where

F_g = gravitational force (weight) acting on the body (N)

E_p = potential energy (J)

m = mass of body (kg)

g = gravitational acceleration (9.81 m/s²)

dh = change in elevation (m)

Example - Potential Energy when body is elevated

A body of 1000 kg is elevated 10 m. The change in potential energy can be calculated as

 E_p = (1000 kg) (9.81 m/s²) (10 m)

    = 98100 J

    = 98 kJ

    = 0.027 kWh

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