Potential energy due to a constant force of gravity
Potential energy due to a constant force of gravity
The potential energy due to a constant force of gravity is
\[E_{\mathrm{PG}} = m g h,\]
where \(h\) is the height above the reference level. If we are below the reference level, the potential energy is negative.
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The potential energy due to gravity in position (1): \[E_{\mathrm{P}1} = W_{1 \rightarrow 0} = m g h_1.\] The potential energy due to gravity at the reference level: \[E_{\mathrm{P}0} = W_{0 \rightarrow 0} = 0.\] The potential energy due to gravity in position (2): \[E_{\mathrm{P}2} = W_{2 \rightarrow 0} = m g h_2 \cos 180° = - m g h_2.\] |
