Question

equation for potential energy

Answer 1

Potential Energy Formulas
The formula for potential energy of a system depends on the forces at work and the constituents of a system. All macroscopic systems outside the atomic nucleus are either governed by the electromagnetic or gravitational forces. Potential energy is measured in SI unit of 'Joule'.
Gravitational potential energy is a function of the position of the object in a gravitational field, force of gravity at that point and mass of the object.
The formula is as follows:

Gravitational Potential Energy = mgh
where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s)2 and h is the height above Earth surface. 

Answer 2

The formula for potential energy depends on the force acting on the two objects. For the gravitational force the formula is P.E. = mgh, where m is the mass in kilograms, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m / s2 at the surface of the earth) and h is the height inmeters.