Gravitational potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. The higher an object is in a gravitational field, the greater its gravitational potential energy.
The formula for gravitational potential energy is GPE = mgh, where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object relative to a reference point.
Kinetic energy is the energy that an object possesses due to its motion. The faster an object is moving, the greater its kinetic energy.
Kinetic energy and gravitational potential energy are two forms of mechanical energy, and they are directly related. As an object falls from a higher position to a lower position, its gravitational potential energy decreases, while its kinetic energy increases.
Yes, gravitational potential energy can be converted to kinetic energy. As an object falls, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy due to the force of gravity acting on it. This is known as the process of energy conversion.