The gravitational potential energy (U) is mathematically expressed as:
U = mgh
where m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.
The unit of potential energy is the joule (J).
If an object has a potential energy of 1 joule, it means it possesses the energy equivalent to lifting a small apple (about 100 grams) to a height of approximately 1 meter above the ground.
Some daily life examples of Potential energy are listed below:
- Stretched rubber band
- Compressed spring in a pen
- Water behind a dam
- Stacked books on a shelf
- Pulled-back bowstring
- Inflated balloon before release
- Charged battery
- Wound-up toy
- Raised hammer before it falls
- Coiled spring in a clock
Types of Potential Energy
- Gravitational Potential Energy: Associated with an object's position in a gravitational field.
- Elastic Potential Energy: Associated with the stretching or compressing of an elastic material.
- Chemical Potential Energy: Stored in the chemical bonds of molecules.