How is gravitational potential energy defined?

Gravitational potential energy is defined specifically as the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. The formula for calculating this energy is given by PE = mgh, where PE represents potential energy, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height of the object above a reference point. This reflects how the energy increases with higher elevation in a gravitational field, which is crucial for understanding how objects behave under the influence of gravity.

The significance of this definition lies in how it lays the groundwork for various concepts in physics, particularly in mechanics. It helps to illustrate how energy is converted from one form to another and is conserved in systems under gravitational influence. Recognizing that gravitational potential energy is purely a function of an object's position in a field distinguishes it from other forms of energy, like kinetic energy or chemical energy.