The amount of gravitational potential energy an object has depends on its height and mass. The heavier the object and the higher it is above the ground, the more gravitational potential energy it holds. Gravitational potential energy increases as weight and height increases.

Does potential energy depend on mass?

Common types of potential energy include the gravitational potential energy of an object that depends on its mass and its distance from the center of mass of another object, the elastic potential energy of an extended spring, and the electric potential energy of an electric charge in an electric field.

How does mass relate to potential energy?

The gravitational potential energy of an object is the 'stored energy' that the object has by being at that height. This is equivalent to its mass times the force of gravity, g (a defined constant of 9.8 m/s2) times the height of the object. Potential energy = mass x gravity x height.