169 Gravitational Potential Energy Formula Derivation

A derivation of the gravitational potential energy formula that is used to obtain \(U_{G} = mgy\) from the work done by gravity.

The work done by gravity is

\[ W_{G} = mg(y_{i} - y_{f}) \]

The gravitational potential energy is

\[ U_{G} = mgy \]

where

  • \(W_{G}\) is the work done by gravity.
  • \(m\) is the mass.
  • \(g\) is the gravitational acceleration.
  • \(y\) is the height.
  • \(y_{i}\) is the initial height.
  • \(y_{f}\) is the final height.
  • \(U_{G}\) is the gravitational potential energy.