Question

the formula for potential energy is P=mgh, where p is potential energy, m is mass, g is gravity, and h is hieght. Which expression can be used to represent g?

Answer 1

Answer:

That formula is only for the potential energy in a GRAVITATIONAL field. In an electrical field or in heat problems it would be quite different.

It is usually used where g is pretty much constant, like where you are close to the surface of a planet. Near earth it is about 9.8 m/s^2 or 32 ft/s^2

however you get it from the general Newtonian gravitational formula

F = G M1 m/r^2

where F is gravitational force on mass m

G is universal gravitational constant

r is distance between M1 and m (radius of planet in this case)

Then what we call g for earth is

g = F/m = G * Mass of earth/radius of earth^2

which comes out 9.8 m/s^2

Answer 2

Answer:

you can use 9.8 m\s^-2 or you can also use p/mh

Hope it helps ☺