Potential Energy

Potential Energy
n Potential energy (PE) =
stored energy of position
possessed by an object
Examples:
n The ball of a demolition
machine
n A stretched bow
n Coconuts in a tree
n There are 2 types of
potential energy:
 1. Gravitational Potential Energy
n Gravitational potential energy =
(PEgrav) the energy stored in an
object as the result of its
vertical position or height.
n The energy is stored as the
result of the gravitational
attraction of the Earth for the
object.
n Example: The PEgrav of the
massive ball of a demolition
machine is dependent on two
variables - the mass of the ball
and the height to which it is
raised.
Calculating PEgrav
n PEgrav = mgΔh
n m = mass of object (kg)
n g = acceleration due to gravity
¨ on Earth it equals 9.8 m/s2
n Δ h = change in height of object (meters)
n PEgrav units are Joules(J) because we are
measuring energy.
n Recall the weight (w) is mass x gravity (w = mg).
As a result, PEgrav can also be calculated if you
are given weight.
¨ PEgrav = wΔh
Units of Energy
n The Joule is the unit of energy.
n 1 Joule = 1 kg x 1 m/s2 x 1 meter
¨ Recall that 1 Newton = kg x m/s2
n 1J=1Nxm
n Joules are part of the metric system and
use the same prefixes as the other base
units! (kilo-, centi-, milli-)
n Example: 1000J = 1 kJ
Calculating PEgrav
n A 5.1kg coconut is at the top of a 15.2m tree. What
is the PEgrav of the coconut if it falls to the ground?
n Given:
¨ m = 5.1kg
¨ g = 9.8 m/s2
¨ Δh = 15.2m
n Unknown:
¨ PEgrav
n Equation:
¨ PEgrav = mgΔh
n Substitute:
¨ PEgrav = 5.1kg x 9.8 m/s2 x 15.2m
n Solve:
¨ PEgrav = 759.7 J
 Calculating PEgrav
n A ninja with a mass of 80.7kg climbs from a roof that is 5.0m tall to
a roof that is 12.0m tall. Assuming that when he jumps down he
will jump from one roof to the other, what is his potential energy?
n Given:
¨ m = 80.7kg
¨ g = 9.8 m/s2
¨ Δh = 12.0m – 5.0m = 7.0m
n Unknown:
¨ PEgrav
n Equation:
¨ PEgrav = mgΔh
n Substitute:
¨ PEgrav = 80.7kg x 9.8 m/s2 x 7.0m
n Solve:
¨ PEgrav = 5536.0 J
Calculating PEgrav
n A skier with a weight of 882.25N is at the top of a
130.75m Olympic Ski Jump. What is the potential
energy of the skier?
n Given:
¨ w = 882.25N
¨ Δh = 130.75m
n Unknown:
¨ PEgrav
n Equation:
¨ PEgrav = wΔh
n Substitute:
¨ PEgrav = 882.25N x 130.75m
n Solve:
¨ PEgrav = 115354.19 J
PEgrav Problem
n Knowing that the potential energy at the top of the
tall platform is 50 J, what is the potential energy at
the other positions shown on the stair steps and
the incline?
Video Questions
n Why would you be
afraid of a rock
perched on the edge
of a cliff?
n Does the stone have
more potential or
kinetic energy at the
top of it’s trajectory?
 2. Elastic Potential Energy
n Elastic potential energy = (PEspring)
the energy stored in elastic materials
as the result of their stretching or
compressing.
n Elastic potential energy can be stored
in rubber bands, bungee chords,
trampolines, springs, an arrow drawn
into a bow, etc.
n The amount of elastic potential
energy stored in such a device is
related to the amount of stretch of the
device - the more stretch, the more
stored energy.
¨ Is this relationship directly
proportional or inversely proportional?
Video: Elastic Potential Energy
n Identify…
n 1 example of PEgrav
n 2 examples of
PEspring
 The Law of Conservation of Energy
n The energy in a closed,
isolated system is
constant.
n Energy cannot be
created or destroyed,
only converted from one
form to another.
n Explain one example of
the law of conservation
of energy from the video
clip.