- #1
jaypee
What is gravatational energy?
What is Gravitational Energy and How Does it Impact Us?
- Context: High School
- Thread starter jaypee
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the concept of gravitational energy, specifically questioning its existence and definition. Participants explore related ideas such as gravitational potential energy and gravity waves, touching on both theoretical and conceptual aspects.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested, Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions the existence of 'gravitational energy' and suggests that gravitational potential energy is the relevant concept, describing it as the energy released when a mass moves to a lower height.
- Another participant humorously references the energy released when dropping a brick, implying a connection to the physical experience of pain.
- A different participant introduces the term "gravity waves," possibly indicating a misunderstanding or an alternative concept related to gravity.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants do not reach a consensus on the terminology and definitions related to gravitational energy, with competing views on its existence and relevance.
Contextual Notes
There are unresolved definitions regarding 'gravitational energy' versus 'gravitational potential energy,' and the discussion includes informal references that may not align with technical definitions.
- #2
chroot
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Gold Member
- 10,270
- 45
There is no such thing as 'gravitational energy.'
There is, however, a quantity called gravitational potential energy, which is just the energy released when a mass moves from some initial height to a lower height. In other words, it's a measure of how much energy will be released when you drop a brick on your toe.
- Warren
There is, however, a quantity called gravitational potential energy, which is just the energy released when a mass moves from some initial height to a lower height. In other words, it's a measure of how much energy will be released when you drop a brick on your toe.
- Warren
- #3
(Q)
- 147
- 0
it's a measure of how much energy will be released when you drop a brick on your toe.
Would that be the "ouch" factor?
*Yes, I know that was bad.*
Would that be the "ouch" factor?
*Yes, I know that was bad.*
- #4
Eh
- 745
- 0
Perhaps you mean gravity waves?
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