Gravitational Potential Energy and Work Done?

Question

Why is the gravitational potential energy of a mass at some height above the Earth's surface equal to the work done to move the mass from the surface of the Earth to that height?

(As convention permits, take the surface of the Earth to be the point where the Gravitational Potential Energy of a mass is equal to zero).

I don't understand the link between potential energy and work done and was hoping someone could clear it up for me. Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Work = force (f) * distance (s). The question above is a typical example of a question following conservation principle which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed but can be changed from one form to another. When the body in question is on the surface of the earth, it posseses potential energy. As it move up, it's energy is changing from usual pontential energy of the resting body to the kinetic energy of the ascending body. As this body is hold stationary at a distance (h) above the earths surface, it pocesses potential energy. Note: work done, kinetic energy, and potential energy are measured in joule and hence are forms of energy.

Answer 2

The total mechanical energy is always conserved.

On the surface of the earth the potential energy is taken as zero for any object. When you move the object to a certain height against the gravitational force some work is done or energy is spent . This mechanical energy is converted into potential energy of the object according to law of conservation of energy. When it falls back to the ground the energy is converted to kinetic energy.

Answer 3

energy and work share the same si unit . So, the work the object u r taking up can do by virtue of its height is equal to the work u did on the object to take it to that height.that is why the gravitational potential energy of an object is equal to the work done on it.

Answer 4

Work and energy have the same units. All the work you do to lift the mass against its weight is transformed into potential energy of the object.

Answer 5

For practicality, Gravitational ability capability for a physique of mass m is given as : -GMm/r the place G ... known gravitational consistent M ... Mass of the earth m ... Mass of a physique r ... Distance between earth and physique notice that the quantity has a detrimental sign. Now if gravitational ability capability is comparable to kinetic capability, then think of roughly this. whilst does this take place.... this happens once you launch a physique from say element A to show B. velocity of physique at element B is taken as 0 and there's a few ability capability and at element A, there is a few velocity v however the ability capability is 0 in ordinary terms at limitless distance from the earth. additionally, the gravitation ability capability is detrimental and kinetic capability is often a favorable quantity. So, if gravitational ability capability is comparable to kinetic capability, velocity isn't defined.