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Potential Energy Formula
Potential refers to the capability of a person. Similarly, potential energy refers to the energy stored in a particular object. It is of different types like gravitational, electrical potential energy and elastic, etc. Potential energy is represented in Joules (J).
Different Examples of Potential Energy in Our Day to Day Life
In our day to day life, we can find several examples of potential energy. One of the most Common examples is the building of dams on the river to extract Hydro electricity. This is possible only because of potential energy.
In this process, we use the potential energy of the water and convert it to electrical energy. When water is raised to a particular height, then the gravitational force acting upon it leads to potential energy and then it helps in moving the turbine blades. Due to this, electricity is generated.
Other examples include a car parked at the top of a hill, a yo yo, a child taking a slide, etc.
The Formula for Calculating Potential Energy
To calculate potential energy, the formula of PE is equal to mgh.
PE= mgh.
Here PE refers to the potential energy which is calculated in joules. M refers to the mass of the object which is calculated in kilograms and g is the acceleration due to gravity. It is calculated in meters per second squared. h is the height of the object.
Solved Examples
Example no. 1: If a particular object with mass 0.8 kilograms is dropped from 0.2 meter height, what would be the potential energy acting up on that object?
Ans: In this case, we know that M is equal to 0.8 kg. H is equal to 0.2 meters and gravitational force g remains the same which is equal to 10 meter per second square.
So, m= 0.8, g= 10, h= 0.2
Putting in the formula, PE =mgh
PE = 0.8 (10) (0.2)
Hence Potential energy of that object comes out to be 1.6 Joules.
Solved example: If a cart is pushed up with a weight of 50 kilograms and it attains a height of five meters, what would be the potential energy of that cart?
Solution: Here, m= 50 kg, h= 5m, g= 10 m/s2 (constant).
Using PE= mgh
PE= 50 (10) (5)= 250 Joules
Hence the potential energy of the cart is 250 Joules.
