Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or state. It is stored energy that has the potential to do work. For instance, A stretched rubber band has potential energy. When released, it can do work by propelling an object forward.
The unit of potential energy is the joule (J).
The general formula for gravitational potential energy is:
PE=mgh
where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.
Some daily life examples of Potential energy are listed below:
- Stretched rubber band
- Compressed spring
- Raised object (e.g., lifting a book off the ground)
- Water at the top of a waterfall
- Pulled-back bowstring
- Wound-up clock or toy
- Charged battery
- Raised roller coaster at its peak
- Stacked books on a shelf
- Pulled-back slingshot.
Types of Potential Energy
- Gravitational Potential Energy: Associated with an object’s position in a gravitational field.
- Elastic Potential Energy: Stored in objects that can be stretched or compressed, like springs.
- Chemical Potential Energy: Energy stored in the bonds of chemical compounds.
