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Potential energy
Beginner
Stored energy due to position or configuration.
Potential energy is energy stored in a configuration, such as height, a stretched spring or separated charges. Only changes matter, so the zero level can be chosen freely.
A raised hammer has gravitational potential energy it converts into motion when released.
Potential energy belongs to the system, not a single body.
In more detail
Potential energy is stored energy that depends on position. A force is conservative if the work it does depends only on the start and end positions, and potential energy is defined for such forces.
Real-world uses
- Water behind a dam stores gravitational potential energy.
- A stretched bow stores elastic potential energy for the arrow.
- A stretched bow or a raised weight stores energy as potential energy, ready to be released later.
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Frequently asked questions
Is potential energy absolute?
No. Only changes in potential energy are meaningful, so you choose a reference level.
Which forces have potential energy?
Gravity, springs and electrostatic forces, which are all conservative.
Is potential energy an absolute quantity?
No. Only changes in potential energy have physical meaning, so you choose a zero level, such as the ground, for convenience.
Related topics in Work, Energy & Power
Work done by a spring · Kinetic energy · Work–energy theorem · Gravitational potential energy · Elastic potential energy · Conservative forces