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First teaching 2014

Last exams 2024

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Gravitational Potential Energy (DP IB Physics: SL)

Revision Note

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Katie M

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Katie M

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Gravitational Potential Energy

  • Gravitational potential energy (Ep) is energy stored in a mass due to its position in a gravitational field
    • If a mass is lifted up, it will gain Ep (converted from other forms of energy)
    • If a mass falls, it will lose Ep (and be converted to other forms of energy)

  • The equation for gravitational potential energy for energy changes in a uniform gravitational field is:

2-3-2-ib-sl-and-hl-gpe-eqn-for-correction-1

2-3-2-ib-sl-and-hl-diag-for-correction

Gravitational potential energy (GPE): The energy an object has when lifted up

  • The potential energy on the Earth’s surface at ground level is taken to be equal to 0
  • This equation is only relevant for energy changes in a uniform gravitational field (such as near the Earth’s surface)

Derivation of GPE Equation

  • When a heavy object is lifted, work is done since the object is provided with an upward force against the downward force of gravity
    • Therefore energy is transferred to the object

  • This equation can therefore be derived from the work done

Derivation of GPE = mgh, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Worked example

To get to his apartment a man has to climb five flights of stairs.

The height of each flight is 3.7 m and the man has a mass of 74 kg.

What is the approximate gain in the man's gravitational potential energy during the climb?

A.     13 000 J               B.     2700 J               C.     1500 J               D.     12 500 J

WE - GPE answer image, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

GPE vs Height

  • The two graphs below show how GPE changes with height for a ball being thrown up in the air and when falling down (ignoring air resistance)

GPE graphs, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

Graphs showing the linear relationship between GPE and height

  • Since the graphs are straight lines, GPE and height are said to have a linear relationship
    • These graphs would be identical for GPE against time instead of height

Relationship between GPE & KE

  • There are many scenarios that involve the transfer of kinetic energy into gravitational potential, or vice versa
  • Some examples are:
    • A swinging pendulum
    • Objects in freefall
    • Sports that involve falling, such as skiing and skydiving

  • Using the principle of conservation of energy, and taking any drag forces as negligible:

Loss in potential energy = Gain in kinetic energy

Worked example

The diagram below shows a skier on a slope descending 750 m at an angle of 25° to the horizontal.Kinetic GPE Transfer Worked Example, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notesCalculate the final speed of the skier, assuming that he starts from rest and 15% of his initial gravitational potential energy is not transferred to kinetic energy.

Step 1: Write down the known quantities

Kinetic GPE Transfer Worked Example Ans, downloadable AS & A Level Physics revision notes

    • Vertical height, h = 750 sin 25°
    • Ek = 0.85 Ep

Step 2: Equate the equations for Ek and Ep

Ek = 0.85 Ep

½ mv2 = 0.85 × mgh

Step 3: Rearrange for final speed, v

Step 4: Calculate the final speed, v

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Katie M

Author: Katie M

Expertise: Physics

Katie has always been passionate about the sciences, and completed a degree in Astrophysics at Sheffield University. She decided that she wanted to inspire other young people, so moved to Bristol to complete a PGCE in Secondary Science. She particularly loves creating fun and absorbing materials to help students achieve their exam potential.