key term - Potential energy

Definition

Potential energy is the stored energy of an object due to its position in a force field, such as gravitational or elastic fields. It is a scalar quantity and can be converted into kinetic energy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gravitational potential energy near Earth's surface is given by $U = mgh$, where $m$ is mass, $g$ is acceleration due to gravity, and $h$ is height above the reference point.
2. Elastic potential energy stored in a spring is calculated using $U = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$, where $k$ is the spring constant and $x$ is the displacement from equilibrium.
3. Potential energy depends only on the initial and final positions, not on the path taken (conservative forces).
4. In a closed system, total mechanical energy (kinetic + potential) remains constant if only conservative forces are involved.
5. Potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy like kinetic or thermal during physical processes.

Review Questions

Related terms

Kinetic Energy:

The energy an object possesses due to its motion, given by $KE = \frac{1}{2} mv^2$, where $m$ is mass and $v$ is velocity.

Conservative Force:

A force that does work independent of the path taken, depending only on initial and final positions, such as gravity.

Mechanical Energy:

The sum of kinetic and potential energies in a system. In the absence of non-conservative forces, it remains constant.