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Overview
Potential energy is energy stored because of position, arrangement, or interaction. An object raised above the ground, a compressed spring, a stretched rubber band, and separated electric charges can all store potential energy.
Stored Energy
Potential energy belongs to a system. A raised book has gravitational potential energy because of the Earth-book interaction, while a compressed spring stores energy because of its deformed configuration.
Gravitational Potential Energy
Near Earth’s surface, gravitational potential energy increases when an object is lifted higher. If the object falls, that stored energy can convert into kinetic energy.
Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy is stored when an elastic object is stretched or compressed. Springs, rubber bands, bows, and trampolines can store energy in this way.
Reference Level
Potential energy often depends on a chosen reference level. The zero point can be selected for convenience, but changes in potential energy are usually what matter physically.
Conversion to Kinetic Energy
Potential energy can transform into kinetic energy. A falling object loses gravitational potential energy while gaining kinetic energy.
Conservative Forces
Potential energy is associated with conservative forces, such as gravity and ideal spring force. These forces allow energy to be stored and recovered through changes in position or configuration.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is thinking potential energy belongs to one object alone. Another is treating the reference level as physically absolute.
Applications
Potential energy appears in dams, roller coasters, springs, bows, mechanical clocks, gravitational systems, chemical systems, and electric systems.
Why This Matters in Physics
Potential energy is essential for conservation of energy and for analyzing stored energy in mechanical, electrical, material, and field systems.