Potential energy is energy that is stored and is determined by the relative positions of various pieces of a system. When spring is compressed or extended, it possesses more potential energy. It is capable of accomplishing more work at the increased position. Potential energy is a system attribute, not a property of a single thing or particle.
Potential energy is created in systems where parts exert forces on each other that are proportional to their configuration, or relative position. The gravitational force between the Earth and the ball is solely determined by their distance in the Earth-ball system.
The work that goes into separating them further or raising the ball adds to the system’s energy, which is stored as gravitational potential energy.
The energy held by an object as a result of its position in relation to other objects, internal pressures, electric charge, or other causes is known as implicit energy. Similarly, when spring is pushed from its equilibrium position, it gains energy, which we notice as stress in our hands when we stretch it. Potential energy is defined as a type of energy that results from a change in its location or state. Let us learn the formula, unit, and examples of potential energy after knowing what potential energy is and its description.
The force working on the 2 objects determines the P.E. formula. The formula for gravitational force is:
W=m×g×h=mgh
is the mass in kilograms
g is the acceleration due to gravity
h is the height in meters.
The units of gravitational potential energy are the same as those of kinetic energy: kgm2/s2
All energy has the same units -kgm2/s2, and is measured using the unit Joule.
Gravitational Potential Energy
This type of energy comes from an object's height. The higher and heavier an object is, the more gravitational potential energy it has.
Example: A book on a shelf has more potential energy than one on the floor.
Formula:
PE=m⋅g⋅hPE = m \cdot g \cdot hPE=m⋅g⋅h
Where:
Potential energy is essential in our daily lives. It powers machines, generates electricity, and helps us understand how energy is conserved and transferred in nature. Without it, many natural and man-made processes wouldn’t work!
William Rankine, a Scottish engineer and physicist, developed the term potential energy in the nineteenth century. Aristotle initially articulated the concept of potential energy.
Elastic potential energy can be found in rubber bands, trampolines, and bungee cords.
The height above ground and mass of an object affects how much gravitational potential energy it has. The heavier and higher an object is above the ground, the more gravitational potential energy it has.