Potential Energy
Potential energy, abbreviated as PE, also called gravitational potential energy, is the possessed energy by a body due to its relative position in a gravitational field. As the elevation of the body decreases the less potential energy. The energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration in a force field. It is the energy that is stored within an object as a result of its position or state. The amount of potential energy possessed by an object depends on factors such as its mass, its position relative to other objects or fields, and the strength of the force fields acting on it. The most common example of potential energy is gravitational potential energy, which is the energy possessed by an object due to its position in a gravitational field.
Potential Energy Types
- Chemical Energy - When two substances are combined or mixed together to produce a chemical reaction.
- Elastic Energy - The energy stored in objects as the result of deformation, such as a spring when stretching or compressing.
- Electric Energy - Energy stored in an electric field or transported by an electric current.
- Gravitational Potential Energy - The energy stored in an object due to its height above the earth.
- Magnetic Energy - A natural phenomenon by which some objects produce attractive or repulsive forces on other materials.
- Nuclear Energy - Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.
Potential energy formula |
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\(\large{ PE = m \; g \; h }\) \(\large{ m = \frac{ PE }{ g \; h } }\) \(\large{ g = \frac{ PE }{ m \; h } }\) \(\large{ h = \frac{ PE }{ m \; g } }\) |
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Solve for PE
Solve for m
Solve for g
Solve for h
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| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \(\large{ PE }\) = potential energy | \(\large{ lbf-ft }\) | \(\large{ J }\) |
| \(\large{ m }\) = mass | \(\large{ lbm }\) | \(\large{ kg }\) |
| \(\large{ g }\) = gravity | \(\large{\frac{ft}{sec^2}}\) | \(\large{\frac{m}{s^2}}\) |
| \(\large{ h }\) = height | \(\large{ ft }\) | \(\large{ m }\) |
Tags: Energy Potential Energy