What is Gravity?
In mechanics, gravity, often known as gravitation, is the universal force of attraction that operates on all matter. It is the weakest known force in nature. Therefore it has no bearing on the interior properties of ordinary matter.
The evolution of gravitational theory is dominated by the works of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein. Because of their positive or negative charge, gravity is the force that pulls objects closer to the Earth. The force of attraction between two items is called gravity, and it is determined by the mass of the objects and the distance between them.
What do you mean by Energy?
Scientists define energy as the ability to perform experiments. People have learned how to convert energy from one form to another and then use it to conduct work, making modern civilization possible. According to physics, energy is the quantitative attribute that must be transmitted to a body or physical system to perform work on it or to heat it. Energy is a conserved quantity, meaning it can be converted in form but not created or destroyed, according to the rule of conservation of Energy.
Relation between Gravity and Energy
Gravitational potential reflects negative Energy in the fundamental link between gravity and Energy. Consider a mass being lifted off the Earth’s surface: when the mass is pushed further away from the Earth, the gravitational potential energy of the mass grows.
Potential energy definition
The energy stored depends on the relative positions of various pieces of a system. When a spring is compressed, it has more potential Energy. A steel ball has more potential energy when it is raised above the ground than when it is dropped to the ground.
Description
Potential Energy is created in systems with parts that exert forces on each other that are proportional to their configuration or relative position.
Other types of potential Energy exist. Electrical potential energy is stored between the plates of a charged capacitor.
The weight of an object multiplied by its distance above the reference point can be used to calculate gravitational potential energy at the Earth’s surface. The zero references for potential energy inbound systems, such as atoms, where the electric force of attraction holds electrons to nuclei, is a distance from the nucleus so great that the electric force is undetectable.
Potential Energy can be turned to kinetic Energy, which is the Energy of motion, and then to other forms like electric Energy. As a result, water behind a dam travels to lower levels via turbines that drive electric generators, creating electricity as well as some useless heat energy due to turbulence and friction.
Potential energy formula
The potential energy formula, as previously said, is dependent on the type of Potential Energy.
The formula for gravitational Potential Energy is
PE= mgh
Where, PE is Potential Energy
m is the mass of the body
h is the height at which the body is placed above the ground
g is the acceleration due to gravity.
The elastic potential energy formula or spring potential energy formula is
U= ½ k∆x²
Where, U is the elastic potential Energy
K is the spring constant
∆x is the change in position.
The electric potential energy formula is
UE= kq1q2/r
Where,
UE is the electric potential Energy,
k stands for Coulomb’s constant,
Whereas q1 and q2 stands for charges of the two separate points present in the circuit,
r stands for a distance of the separation.
The SI unit of Potential Energy is Joule, and the dimensional formula is M¹L²T-².
Potential energy formula derivation
F = dU/dx
dU = −Dx fx1x2 U = −∫x1x2 Fdx
According to the definition of potential energy, the force acting on the object is
F= mg
H is the height from the point of reference.
Substituting these formulas,
U = −[mg(h1−h2)]
or, U = [mg(h2−h1)]
Where,
U – Potential Energy
M- The mass of the object
G – Acceleration due to gravity
h1 – the height of the point of reference
h2 – the height at which the object is positioned
Potential Energy uses
The gravitational potential energy of anything in a high position is high. A book on the top shelf, for example, has more potential Energy than a book on the bottom shelf because it has a longer distance to fall.
Other things having gravitational potential Energy include the following:
- An increase in weight
- Water that a dam has held back
- A car parked at the panel of a hill
- Water from a river drops to the top of a waterfall.
- At night, solar cells.
- Green leaves before the sun shines on them (potential photosynthesis)
- Before it is ignited, gasoline.
- Balls before players in a football match kick them.
- Just before someone dives, a diving board is shown.
Conclusion
This article will help you know more about the concepts of Gravity and Energy. While going through this article, you will know about the exact formula of Gravity and energy and their use in physics and everyday life.