Types of Potential Energy

There are two main types of potential energy, and they are:

Potential Energy

Potential energy in physics is the energy that an object possesses as a result of its position. The term Potential Energy was first introduced by a well-known physicist William Rankine, in the 19th century.

Gravitational Potential Energy, the elastic potential energy of an elastic spring, and the electric potential energy of an electric charge present in an electric field are all commonly used types of potential energy. In general, the work done by the force on an object for making it acquire a specific position is stored as the potential energy of that object.

For example, if we take an electric charge at infinity and bring it into the electric field of any other electric charge then the work done here is stored as the electric potential energy of that charge.

Let’s understand more about potential energy definition, formula, examples, types, and others in this article.

Table of Content

  • What is Potential Energy?
  • Potential Energy Formula
  • Potential Energy Unit
  • Types of Potential Energy
  • Gravitational Potential Energy
  • Elastic Potential Energy
  • Solved Examples on Potential Energy

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What is Potential Energy?

Potential energy is defined as the energy stored by an object due to its arrangement, state or position. Potential energy is different from kinetic energy in many ways like, kinetic energy is the energy of the motion of an object, while potential energy is the stored energy of the object....

Potential Energy Formula

Potential Energy Formula depends on the force acting on the body and the displacement of the body. For gravitational force, the potential energy formula is given by,...

Potential Energy Unit

Potential energy is measured in kgm2s-2 its unit is similar to kinetic energy or work done. In fact, all types of energy have a similar unit. The SI unit for measuring energy is Joule denoted as J....

Types of Potential Energy

There are two main types of potential energy, and they are:...

Gravitational Potential Energy

Gravitational potential energy of an object is defined as the energy possessed by an object that increased to a certain height against gravity. The magnitude of the gravitational potential energy of an object depends on the height to which it is raised and it’s mass. Therefore, the heavier the object and present at a higher point above the ground, the more gravitational potential energy it keeps....

Elastic Potential Energy

Elastic potential energy is the energy that is stored in objects. It can be compressed or stretched such as rubber bands, trampoline, and bungee cords. The object that can stretch more, has more elastic potential energy....

Solved Examples on Potential Energy

Example 1: Find the potential energy of an object of mass 10 kg when it is raised at a height of 6 m above the ground. Take, g = 10 m s–2....

Potential Energy – FAQs

Define Potential Energy....