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First of all, a clarification on the wording of the question: Gravitational potential energy is the energy associated with the gravitational interaction between objects with mass. Obviously if you just have a single isolated mass, it would not be under the influence of any gravitational fields and therefore there would be no gravitational potential energy. Gravitational potential energy is property that describes a whole system of masses (it could be two masses or three or four or...). When we talk about the gravitational potential energy of an object on Earth, it is implicit that we mean the gravitational potential energy associated with the system of two masses (one being the object in question, and the other being Earth).
For simplicity, let's assume that we have two masses labelled m1 and m2. The gravitational potential energy (which I'll label U) is given by the relation:
U = (Gm1m2)/r2
where r is the distance between the centre of each mass, and G is the universal gravitational constant. You can derive this equation very simply from Newton's Universal Law of Gravitation (which you may be familiar with) and the definition of potential energy. So, what does the potential energy of this system of masses depend upon? Everything that is a variable in the equation! Namely, the mass of each object and their separation. In our everyday example of an object that is some height habove the surface of the Earth, the mass of the Earth doesn't change, and neither does its radius (distance between centre and surface). Therefore, in that particular instance, the potential energy depends only upon two things 1. the height of the object above the surface, and 2. the mass of the object.
What else can I help you with?
Is gravitational energy renewable?
It is renewable because you can always raise an object or raise yourself and gain gravitational potential energy. You cannot run out of gravitational potential energy and even now you have some of the the energy because gravity is always pulling you. It is just a matter of how much gravitational potential energy you have. Go on the top Mt. Everest and you will have more gravitational potential energy than most of the people in the world.
What is the gravitational potential energy of a contracting interstellar cloud?
The gravitational potential energy of a contracting interstellar cloud increases as the cloud collapses inward due to gravity. This potential energy is converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy and thermal energy, as the cloud contracts and heats up, eventually leading to the formation of a star.
Does the sun have either kinetic or potential energy?
The sun primarily has potential energy due to the gravitational forces that hold it together. This potential energy is released as heat and light energy through nuclear fusion reactions occurring in its core.
What point in its orbit does the comet have the greatest potential energy?
A comet has the greatest potential energy at its farthest point from the Sun, known as aphelion. At this location, the gravitational pull of the Sun is weaker, and the comet is at its maximum distance from the Sun. As the comet moves closer to the Sun in its elliptical orbit, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases due to the gravitational attraction.
What type of energy is stored up?
ATP
What two factors influence gravitational potential energy the greatest?
Mass and position.
What would you expect to most influence the potential energy of an object?
The most influential factors on the potential energy of an object are its position in a gravitational field and the height at which it is located relative to a reference point. The higher an object is positioned in a gravitational field, the more potential energy it possesses.
What is factors influence potential energy?
Use the formula for potential energy: PE = mgh (mass x gravity x height). From this formula, it is clear that the amount of potential energy of an object depends on the object's mass, the force of gravity, and the height above the ground.
What do factors determine gravitational potential energy?
The factors that determine gravitational potential energy are the object's mass, the acceleration due to gravity, and the height the object is raised to. Gravitational potential energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object and the height it is raised, and is also affected by the strength of the gravitational field.
What two factors determine potential gravitational energy?
Weight and height
What are the two factors Gravitational potential energy depends on?
Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass and its height above a reference point, such as the ground. The greater the mass and height of an object, the higher its gravitational potential energy.
What effects gravitational potential energy?
PE=mgh So the 2 factors that effect gravitational potential energy are: -Mass of the object. -The height of the object.
Can gravitational potential energy be converted into kinetic?
Yes, gravitational potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy as an object falls under the influence of gravity. As the object descends, its gravitational potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases. This conversion is governed by the law of conservation of energy.
What are the factors that determine how much gravitational energy and object has?
The factors that determine the gravitational potential energy of an object are its mass, the acceleration due to gravity, and its height above a reference point. The gravitational potential energy of an object increases with mass, height, and strength of gravity.
Would you expect mass to be the most influence the potential energy of an object?
Yes, the mass of an object does influence its potential energy, especially in gravitational potential energy. The greater the mass of an object, the more potential energy it will have when raised to a certain height.
What 2 factors determine gravitational potential energy?
Mass and distance
Why is potential energy called gravitational potential energy?
Potential energy and gravitational potential energy are different from each other ."Potential energy is the ability of a body to do work." Anddue_to_its_height.%22">"Gravitational potential energy is the ability of a body to do work due to its height."Gravitational potential energy is a type of potential energy.
