Formula
The standard gravity used here is 9.80665 meters per second squared:
Joules = kg × 9.80665 × meters
The zero of height is whatever point you measure from. Kinetic energy is a separate page.
Assumptions
- Gravity is the standard 9.80665 m/s².
- Height is meters above the point you call zero.
Worked example
2 kg raised 5 m has 98.0665 J of potential energy.
Input definitions
- Mass
- The lifted mass in kilograms.
- Height
- The vertical distance above your chosen zero.
Limitations
This is a classroom calculation. It is not a laboratory procedure, a wiring plan, or a measured instrument reading.
Questions
Why 9.80665?
That is the standard acceleration of gravity used for this classroom formula.
Does the path matter?
Not for this difference. Only the vertical height enters the formula.