How it's calculated
PE = m × g × h (elastic: PE = ½ × k × x²)
m = mass (kg), g = gravity (9.81 m/s² on Earth), h = height (m); k = spring constant (N/m), x = displacement (m). Result in joules.
Common questions
What is the formula for gravitational potential energy?
It is PE equals mass times gravity times height, or mgh. On Earth, g is about 9.81 m/s squared.
How is elastic potential energy different?
Elastic potential energy stored in a spring is one-half times the spring constant times displacement squared, written as half k x-squared.