Gravitational Potential Energy Calculator
Calculate the potential energy of objects in gravitational fields with our physics-based calculator
Object Properties
Calculation Results
Enter values to see how this energy compares to real-world examples.
Energy Breakdown
Your detailed energy analysis will appear here.
🌍 Planetary Gravitational Data
| Celestial Body | Gravity (m/s²) | Escape Velocity (km/s) | Potential Energy for 1kg at 100m (J) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | 274.0 | 617.6 | 27,400 |
| Jupiter | 24.79 | 59.5 | 2,479 |
| Earth | 9.807 | 11.2 | 980.7 |
| Mars | 3.71 | 5.0 | 371 |
| Moon | 1.62 | 2.4 | 162 |
| Pluto | 0.62 | 1.2 | 62 |
Note: Values are approximate and vary by location on the celestial body.
📚 Physics Concepts & Tips
Understanding GPE
Gravitational potential energy (GPE) is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field.
Key Formula
GPE = m × g × h, where m is mass, g is gravitational acceleration, and h is height above reference point.
Reference Points
The choice of reference point (h=0) is arbitrary but affects the calculated potential energy value.
Universal Gravity
For large distances, use Newton's Law: U = -G×m₁×m₂/r, where G is the gravitational constant.
Energy Conservation
GPE can convert to kinetic energy as objects fall, with total mechanical energy remaining constant.
Escape Velocity
The energy needed to escape a planet's gravity is ½mv² where v is the escape velocity.
Note: This calculator uses standard gravitational potential energy formulas (U = mgh for near-surface calculations). For astronomical distances, more complex formulas accounting for varying gravity should be used.