Gravitational potential energy, or GPE, is really important in our daily lives.
What is GPE?
GPE is the energy something has because of where it is compared to the ground.
You can think of the equation like this:
Some Examples of GPE:
Imagine holding a ball high in the air. That ball has GPE. When you drop it, the GPE changes into kinetic energy (the energy of motion).
Think about water in a dam. The water sitting high up has GPE. When it’s let out, that energy can be used to help generate electricity.
Understanding GPE is important for many things, from playing sports to building things in engineering!
Gravitational potential energy, or GPE, is really important in our daily lives.
What is GPE?
GPE is the energy something has because of where it is compared to the ground.
You can think of the equation like this:
Some Examples of GPE:
Imagine holding a ball high in the air. That ball has GPE. When you drop it, the GPE changes into kinetic energy (the energy of motion).
Think about water in a dam. The water sitting high up has GPE. When it’s let out, that energy can be used to help generate electricity.
Understanding GPE is important for many things, from playing sports to building things in engineering!