Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy *E*ₚ is a form of energy possessed by any object in a gravitational field. The potential energy of a physical body in the Earth's gravitational field can be changed into kinetic energy, which can perform some mechanical work. Potential energy is relative; it depends on what it refers to. In our model situation, it refers to the level of the sand in the sandbox (level of zero potential energy). The equation for calculating the potential energy is Eₚ = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the gravitational acceleration, and h is the height above the zero potential energy level. **Two bodies of the same weight falling from various heights** The model shows two bowling balls of the same weight dropped from different heights above a sandpit. The ball at the greater height has more potential energy and therefore does more work upon impact, causing it to sink deeper into the sand. The animation illustrates that as height increases, the object’s potential energy also increases. **Two bodies of different weights falling from the same height** The animation shows two balls of different masses falling from the same height. The ball with the greater mass has more potential energy and consequently does more work upon impact, sinking deeper into the sand. This demonstrates that a heavier object acquires more potential energy at the same height.