Calculate the gravitational potential energy of a rocket

[Moerangi]

Hi,

I need to calculate the gravitational potential energy of a rocket that's 500km above the surface of Earth (rocket has a mass of 500kg).

What formula would I use, and how would I calculate it?

Any help is appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[BishopUser]

Gravitational potential energy is typically represented by $$U_g=-G\frac {m_1m_2} {r}$$ when things are high above the Earth's surface.

 

[kyle8921]

Hi there,

To calculate the gravitational potential energy of a rocket, you can use the formula E = mgh, where E is the potential energy, m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2 on Earth), and h is the height above the surface of the Earth. In this case, the height (h) would be 500km above the surface.

So, the calculation would be E = (500kg)(9.8 m/s^2)(500,000m) = 2.45 x 10^9 Joules. This is the amount of potential energy the rocket has due to its position above the Earth's surface.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions. Good luck with your calculations!

Best,