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Gravitational Potential Energy Worksheet

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Gravitational Potential Energy Worksheet

Use gravitational field strength g = 9.8 N/kg unless a question gives a different value. Show your working for calculations and include units in your answers.

Build the idea

Explain what gravitational potential energy tells us about an object's position.

1.A rescue bag is lifted onto a platform. Complete the idea: the bag gains gravitational potential energy because its above the ground increases.

2.Choose the correct equation for the change in gravitational potential energy when an object is lifted through a vertical height h.

change in GPE = mass × gravitational field strength × height
change in GPE = mass × speed
change in GPE = force ÷ height
change in GPE = mass ÷ gravitational field strength

3.In ΔGPE = mgh, state the SI unit for each quantity: mass m, gravitational field strength g, height h, and change in GPE.

4.True or false? For the same object in the same gravitational field, doubling its height above the chosen reference level doubles its gravitational potential energy.

TrueFalse

Calculate and compare

Use ΔGPE = mgh. Take the ground or stated starting point as the reference level.

5.A 12 kg equipment case is lifted vertically by 2.5 m. Calculate its increase in gravitational potential energy. Use g = 9.8 N/kg.

6.A 0.60 kg camera is raised from the floor to a shelf 1.8 m above the floor. Calculate its increase in GPE. Use g = 9.8 N/kg.

7.An object gains 588 J of GPE when raised by 6.0 m. Calculate its mass. Use g = 9.8 N/kg.

8.A 5.0 kg bucket gains 245 J of GPE as it is lifted. How far is it raised? Use g = 9.8 N/kg.

9.Two identical coaster cars are at different heights above the ground. One car is higher than the other. Ignoring energy losses, which car has more gravitational potential energy, and why?

Explain the energy story

Connect the calculation to what happens in a real lift.

10.A motor lifts a 20 kg crate through 3.0 m at steady speed. Calculate the crate’s increase in GPE using g = 9.8 N/kg. Then explain where this energy comes from.

11.A student says, “A heavier object always has more GPE than a lighter object.” Explain why this statement is incomplete. Include the roles of mass and height in your answer.