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CAIE IGCSE Physics Gravitational Potential Energy

Practise using ΔEp = mgΔh for vertical changes in gravitational potential energy and combining it with conservation to calculate a falling speed.

Syllabus
2026–2028
Course
Physics 0625

Exam points

  • substitute mass, gravitational field strength and vertical height change into ΔEp = mgΔh
  • convert mass, height or energy units before reporting the gravitational energy change in joules
  • equate lost gravitational energy to gained kinetic energy when resistance is negligible

1.7.1.5—Recall/use: for the change in question 1

[Maximum number: 2]

A hard ball is dropped vertically downwards.
Fig. 1.1 shows the speed-time graph for the ball from when it is dropped until it hits the ground.

Air resistance is ignored.

Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.1

The mass of the ball is 0.54 kg . Calculate the gravitational potential energy stored in the ball immediately before it is dropped.
gravitational potential energy = [2]

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