Is there Gravitational Potential Energy on a horizontal surface?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the concept of gravitational potential energy (GPE) on a horizontal surface, exploring whether GPE exists when there is no change in height. Participants examine the implications of height and reference points on GPE.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if there is gravitational potential energy on a horizontal surface.
  • Another participant argues that since height does not change, there is no change in gravitational potential energy, suggesting that what matters is the change in GPE.
  • A participant posits that if height exists, there is gravitational potential energy, but acknowledges that the reference point chosen can affect the perceived GPE.
  • It is noted that if two points are at the same height above a reference point, the gravitational potential energy at both points is the same.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the explanations provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit differing views on the existence and significance of gravitational potential energy on a horizontal surface, with no consensus reached on the matter.

Contextual Notes

The discussion involves assumptions about reference points and the definition of height in relation to gravitational potential energy, which remain unresolved.

freshbox
Messages
290
Reaction score
0
Is there Gravitational Potential Energy on a horizontal surface?

Example from Position 1 - 2
 

Attachments

  • test.jpg
    test.jpg
    11.8 KB · Views: 516
Physics news on Phys.org
Since the height doesn't change, there's no change in gravitational PE. (Which is what matters.)
 
So GPE=0?

My understanding is that if there is height, there is GPE.
 
freshbox said:
So GPE=0?

My understanding is that if there is height, there is GPE.
Depending on the reference point you choose, which is arbitrary, there may be non-zero GPE. But what really matters physically is the change in GPE, which in this case is zero. ΔGPE = 0.
 
If there is gravitational PE at point one (due to it's height above a reference that is not shown on the drawing), and point two is the same height above that reference, then the gravitational PE is the same at both points.
 
Thanks for the explanation.
 

Similar threads

High School Can energy be decomposed?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
High School Gravitational potential energy question -- Ojbect sitting on the Earth
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
Graduate Gravitational potential energy -- Why is it always negative?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
3K
High School Conceptually understanding change in potential energy with 0 net work
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Gravitational potential energy
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
Undergrad Confusion over the "centrifugal potential energy"
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
8K
High School Study of SHM of an object attached to a vertical spring
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Undergrad How does gravitational potential energy work?
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
12K
High School Potential energy and lifting an object vertically
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
Undergrad Question about potential energy: gravity and a vertical spring
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K