PhysicsGCSE & IGCSEEnergy & Power

Gravitational PE formula

The gravitational pe formula as it is used in GCSE Physics, taken from the GCSE Physics formula sheet.

The formula

E_p = mgh

Write the formula down before substituting — most mark schemes award a method mark for a correct, clearly quoted formula.
Check every quantity is in consistent units before you substitute, then substitute in one step so the working stays easy to follow.
Show the rearrangement rather than jumping to the answer, and give the final value to the accuracy the question asks for.

W = Fs

E_k = \tfrac{1}{2}mv^2

P = \dfrac{E}{t} = \dfrac{W}{t}

\text{efficiency} = \dfrac{\text{useful output}}{\text{total input}} \times 100\%

E_e = \tfrac{1}{2}k x^2

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