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Gravitational Potential Energy
Physics · JC 1 · Work, Energy, and Power · Semester 1

Gravitational Potential Energy

Students will define gravitational potential energy and calculate it for objects in a gravitational field, relating it to work done against gravity.

MOE Syllabus OutcomesH2 Physics (9749), Core Idea 2: Newtonian Mechanics, 2.3 Forces, Learning Outcome (i) show an understanding of the concept of gravitational potential energyH2 Physics (9749), Core Idea 2: Newtonian Mechanics, 2.3 Forces, Learning Outcome (k) use the formula Ep = mgh for the gravitational potential energy in a uniform gravitational field

About This Topic

Students will define gravitational potential energy and calculate it for objects in a gravitational field, relating it to work done against gravity.

Key Questions

  1. Explain how gravitational potential energy is stored in an object's position.
  2. Compare the gravitational potential energy of an object at different heights.
  3. Construct a scenario where an object loses gravitational potential energy but gains kinetic energy.

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Edited by Adriana Perusin, Editor-in-Chief, Flip Education
Synthesized by Flip Education from Lyman's Think-Pair-Share collaborative-discussion routine (1981)