Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position in a gravitational field. It depends on the object's mass, the height above a reference point, and the strength of the gravitational field. For example, a rock held high above the ground has more gravitational potential energy than the same rock resting on the ground. When the rock is dropped, this stored energy converts into kinetic energy as it falls. The higher the rock is dropped from, the more gravitational potential energy it has, which results in a faster speed when it reaches the ground.