www.physics.me.

uk

Potential Energy
Potential energy is stored energy. In this article we will consider two examples of stored energy; the energy stored because of an objects distance from the ground and the energy stored in a material due to its extension or compression. The SI unit for energy is the joule (J). If an object of mass m is raised a height h and the acceleration due to gravity is g then the increase in its potential energy is mgh. Since this is a change in potential energy, rather than an absolute level then potential energy is normally determined relative to a reference.
Example An object of mass of 3kg is raised 5m, calculate the gain in potential energy. Gain in potential energy = mgh = 39.815 = 147.15 J

If an elastic material has a stiffness k (or a spring with spring constant k) and it extends a distance x (following Hookes Law) then the energy stored is
Example A metallic wire of stiffness 20000N/m is extended by 0.5mm. Calculate the potential energy stored. Potential energy =

. = 20000

= 0.25 J

Example A spring with spring constant 1000N/m is extended by 5cm. Calculate the potential energy stored. Potential energy =

. = 1000

= 1.25 J