Energy: Potential Energy

We have seen that any object on which work is done has an amount of mechanical energy. If it is stationary, like a poised pile driver, it is said to have potential energy. We define potential energy as the energy possessed by reason of level or position. The energy we spend in moving about is gotten from compound changes in our muscles, and the food we eat gives us this energy.. In the event that the loads have an all-out mass of 5kg and are raised through 2m, then, at that point, accepting g = 10m/s², a power 5 x 10m/s² must be applied through a distance of 2m. The work done is moved to potential energy in the loads so that Potential energy = work done = force x distance = 5 x 10 x 2J = 100J As the loads gradually slip, they move their potential energy to Kinetic energy and potential energy in the moving pieces of the spring becomes zero.

Potential Energy Unit

The unit of potential energy is still joules (J) Larger units are the Kilojoule (KJ) and the Megajoule(MJ) 1 KJ = 1000 J(or 10³J) 1 MJ = 1 000 000 J (or 10⁶J)

Potential Energy Formula

Potential Energy = Weight of object X Height above object. Potential Energy = Work done = force X distance

Types of Potential Energy

The law of conservation of energy states that energy is never destroyed, but it is only transferred from one form to another. The energy we spend in winding up the weight of a clock is derived from chemical changes in our muscles, and this is provided by the food we have eaten. The three types of potential energy are gravitational, potential and elastic. There are many examples of potential energy:

• A stationary brick on a shelf above the ground has potential energy
• A high diver on a platform poised to dive has an amount of potential energy equal to the work done in raising himself