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In general terms, the word ‘energy’ means the ability to take action.
Scottish engineer and physicist submitted the term potential energy in the 19th century.
Potential energy correlates with the effects on the body; therefore, the total amount of work these forces exert on the body depends on the body’s first and last postures. Such forces, known as conservative forces, can be represented at any point in the domain by a vector acting as a gradient of scalar purpose called the potential.
The force that acts on the object moving from the initial position to the final position is derived only by these two postures and does not depend on the subject’s trajectory.
What is the potential energy formula?
The term ‘potential energy’ refers to the energy stored in an object. It is classified into numerous subtypes.
There are many types of potential energies, including gravitational potential energy (GPE), elastic potential energy (EPE), and electric potential energy. An object’s energy due to its position concerning other things is known as its gravitational potential energy. While the body’s elastic potential energy is defined as stress-induced energy, an object’s electric potential energy is the energy that an object possesses due to the full charge that it carries.
The formula for potential energy varies according to the type of potential energy.
The gravitational potential energy formula is PE = mgh.
Here,
PE = Potential energy
m = mass of the body
h = height at which the body is placed above the ground
g = acceleration due to gravity.
The formula of elastic potential energy is, U = ½ k∆ x 2
where,
U = elastic potential energy
K = spring constant
∆x = change in position.
The formula of electric potential energy is
UE = kq1q2/r
where,
UE = electric potential energy
K = Coulomb’s constant
q1 and q2 = charges of two points in the circuit
r = gap distance.
The dimension of potential energy is M1L2T-2.
The work done against gravity is converted into potential energy.
The gravitational force formula is
F = mg.
When the height is increased by ‘h’, the amount of work done is
W = FD
W = mgh.
The cumulative work performed is adapted to the potential energy
Hence,
P.E. = W = mgh
M = mass in kilograms
g = acceleration due to gravity
h = height in metres
As force = gravity.
This is also called gravitational potential energy. Potential energy can result from work done under various forces.
Potential energy unit
The unit of potential energy is the same as that of kinetic energy i.e., kg m2/s2
The SI unit of potential energy is joule and is represented as J.
Classification of potential energy
Potential energy can be classified into three types:
- Gravitational potential energy
- Elastic potential energy
- Electrostatic potential energy
Gravitational potential energy
An object’s energy when it is lifted to a certain height against gravity is called the object’s gravitational potential energy. Gravitational energy is unrelated to the length the subject has traversed. This depends on the difference between the start and end heights of the object, that is, the object’s displacement.
Therefore, the path taken by the object to reach its height is not considered. Gravitational potential energy is given by
W = mgh
Here
W = work done
M = mass in kilograms
g = velocity/momentum due to gravity
h = height
Elastic potential energy
The energy reserved in a subject that can compress or decompress is elastic potential energy. It is used in trampolines, rubber bands and bungee cords. The elastic potential energy tends to increase when the subject is further stretched. Mathematically, the elastic potential energy of a subject is provided by the equation:
U = ½ kx2
Here,
U = elastic potential energy
k = constant of spring force
x = stretch length of the spring.
Electrostatic potential energy
Electrostatic potential energy is the power required to transport a charge from one factor to another through a capability difference. Mathematically, we can say,
U = Vq
where,
U = electrostatic potential energy
V = potential difference
q = charge.
Relation of potential and kinetic energy
Kei + PEi = KEf + PEf
Kei, PEi = initial kinetic energy
KEf, PEf = delayed kinetic energy.
This shows that the initial and delayed energy used is equal.
Conclusion
Potential energy refers to the energy stored in an object. It is classified into various types. The unit of potential energy is the same as that of kinetic energy i.e. kg m2/s2. The SI unit of potential energy is joule and is represented as J. Everything made of atoms has potential energy. The potential energy unit remains the same throughout and it usually depends on the mass and speed.
