
Potential energy
potential energy
Potential energy is stored energy, waiting to be used. Potential energy results from position or configuration of the object. An object can store energy as the result of its position. Think of it like a stretched rubber band. It’s not moving, but it has the potential to snap back and release its energy.
Potential energy can be converted into kinetic energy (energy of motion). For example, when you let go of the stretched rubber band, its potential energy is converted into the kinetic energy of the band snapping back
The most populated example of this is the position of objects in the earth’s gravitational field. The potential energy of the object is depend of the mass of the object (m), gravitational acceleration of the earth (g=9.8 m/sec2) and objective height above the earth’s surface (h). It is given by:
E=m*g*h,
where:
m – measured in kilograms (kg)
h – measured in meters (m)
The answer should always be stated in joules (J), which is the standard unit of measurement for potential energy.
1 J is equivalent to 1 kg * m2/s2.
Examples of potential energy:
– potential energy of a ball

– potential energy of a spring

– potential energy of a balloon

See also conservation of energy.
There are two forms of potential energy – gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy.