Table of Contents
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.
Overview
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.
Potential Energy Formula
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.
Potential Energy Unit
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.
Types of Potential Energy
Potential energy is the stored energy in any object or system as a result of its position or arrangement of parts. It is, however, unaffected by factors outside of the object or system, such as air or height. Kinetic energy, on the other hand, is the energy of moving particles in an object or system. In contrast to potential energy, an object’s kinetic energy is relative to other stationery and moving objects in its immediate environment.
For example, if the object is placed at a greater height, its kinetic energy will be greater. Potential energy is not transferable and is determined by the object’s height, distance, and mass. Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another (via vibration and rotation) and is affected by an object’s speed or velocity as well as its mass.
Along with kinetic energy, potential energy is one of the two main types of energy. Potential energy can be divided into two categories:
- Gravitational Potential Energy
- Elastic Potential Energy
Gravitational Potential Energy
Gravitational P.E. is the energy an object possesses due to its position during a field. The most common use of gravitational P.E. is for an object near the surface of the world where the gravitational acceleration is often assumed to be constant at about 9.8m/s2. Since the zero of gravitational P.E. are often chosen at any point (like the selection of the zero of a coordinate system), the P.E. at a height h above that time is adequate to the work which might be required to lift the thing thereto height with no net change in K.E. Because the force required to lift it is equal to its weight, the gravitational potential energy is equal to the weight multiplied by the height to which it is lifted.
PE grav=m·g·h
Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy is the energy held in items like rubber bands, trampolines, and bungee cords that can be compressed or stretched. The greater an object’s elastic potential energy, the greater its ability to stretch. Many things, such as the following, are expressly intended to store elastic potential energy:
Elastic potential energy can be calculated using the following formula: U=½kx2
An object designed to store elastic potential energy will typically have a high elastic limit, but all elastic objects have a load limit. When an object is deformed beyond its elastic limit, it will no longer return to its original shape.
All of the examples of potential energy described above involve movement. All of the aforementioned examples of potential energy involve movement or the ability to move. Mechanical energy is a type of energy that involves movement. Potential energy is also present in other kinds of energy, such as chemical and nuclear energy. The bonds between the atoms of molecules store chemical energy. Food and batteries, for example, both contain chemical energy. Because of the strong forces that hold the nucleus together, nuclear energy is stored in the nuclei of atoms. Because the nuclei of radioactive elements like uranium are unstable, they break apart and unleash the energy they have stored.
Also read: Important Topic Of Physics: Dalton’s atomic theory
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first to coin the term potential energy?
William Rankine, a Scottish engineer and physicist, developed the term potential energy in the nineteenth century. Aristotle initially articulated the concept of potential energy.
What are some examples of items with elastic potential energy?
Elastic potential energy can be found in rubber bands, trampolines, and bungee cords.
What are the factors that affect an object's gravitational potential energy?
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.
