Work of Gravity

The Work of Gravity calculator computes the work achieved by Earth's gravity moving an object of a certain mass (M) from an initial position (y₁) to a final position (y₂).

INSTRUCTIONS: Choose the preferred units and enter the following:

• (m) This is the mass of the object.
• (y₁) This is the initial vertical position.
• (y₂)  This is the final vertical position.

Work of gravity (W_grav): The calculator returns the work in Joules.  However, this can be automatically converted to compatible units via the pull-down menu.  Note: this formula uses the constant acceleration due to gravity on the surface of the Earth 9.80665 m/s².

The Math / Science

The formula for the work done by gravity is:

W_g = m•g•y₁ - m•g•y₂

where:

• m is the mass
• g is the acceleration due to gravity
• y₁ is the initial vertical displacement
• y₂ is the final vertical displacement

Reference

University Physics 12th Edition, Chapter 7, Equation #7.1