What is Potential: Definition and 1000 Discussions

Potential generally refers to a currently unrealized ability. The term is used in a wide variety of fields, from physics to the social sciences to indicate things that are in a state where they are able to change in ways ranging from the simple release of energy by objects to the realization of abilities in people. The philosopher Aristotle incorporated this concept into his theory of potentiality and actuality, a pair of closely connected principles which he used to analyze motion, causality, ethics, and physiology in his aPhysics, Metaphysics, Nicomachean Ethics and De Anima, which is about the human psyche. That which is potential can theoretically be made actual by taking the right action; for example, a boulder on the edge of a cliff has potential to fall that could be actualized by pushing it over the edge. Several languages have a potential mood, a grammatical construction that indicates that something is potential. These include Finnish, Japanese, and Sanskrit.In physics, a potential may refer to the scalar potential or to the vector potential. In either case, it is a field defined in space, from which many important physical properties may be derived. Leading examples are the gravitational potential and the electric potential, from which the motion of gravitating or electrically charged bodies may be obtained. Specific forces have associated potentials, including the Coulomb potential, the van der Waals potential, the Lennard-Jones potential and the Yukawa potential. In electrochemistry there are Galvani potential, Volta potential, electrode potential, and standard electrode potential. In the
thermodynamics, the term potential often refers to thermodynamic potential.

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  1. S

    Why is the elastic potential energy in position 2 zero?

    Hello, so we have two potitions right, if we take ##\theta = 90## as the first position (i.e. both rods are flat) and then the second position at ##\theta = 0##. I totally understand the exercise, not difficult. The only issue I am having is the torsional spring... it says that it is uncoiled...
  2. P

    Lienard-Wiechert Potential derivation, chain rule

    I want to follow the Lienard-Wiechert potential derivation in Robert Wald's E-M book, page 179. I do not understand $$dX(t_\text{ret})/dt$$ on the right side. I assume the chain rule is applied, but I can't see how. $$ \frac{\partial[x'^i - X^i(t - |\mathbf x - \mathbf x'|/c)]}{\partial x'^j} =...
  3. mathbrain9

    Link between increase in Potential energy and the thermal energy lost

    "Heat is the transfer of kinetic energy between molecules. If the velocity is more, the kinetic energy will be more so that the heat is more." "As an object's speed increases, the drag force from the fluid increases exponentially. For example, when you drive at high speeds, the frictional force...
  4. P

    I Vector Potential Multipole Expansion

    when you do a multipole expansion of the vector potential you get a monopole, dipole, quadrupole and so on terms. The monopole term for a current loop is μI/4πr*∫dl’ which goes to 0 as the integral is over a closed loop. I am kinda confused on that as evaulating the integral gives the arc length...
  5. josevie

    Why is my method for finding the spring constant incorrect?

    It is to my understanding that if the spring was compressed 10cm, it is due to the Work of the Weight Force of the stone. So: Work done on the spring by the stone = m.g.x = 7.84 J The work done on the spring will be stored as potential energy of the spring, so: Us = W Us = (1/2).k.x² k =...
  6. sinna

    Calculating Ion Distance in a 1D Lattice: A Simple Solution

  7. G

    Calculating Chemical Potential from Energy Derivatives

    Hi Unfortunately, I can't get on with the following task. The system looks like this it is divided in such a way that the same number of particles is present in each ##\epsilon## section. I am now to determine the energy ##E(P_h,V_h,N)## at the height h using the energy ##h=0## i.e...
  8. Addez123

    Can't find potential of vector field

    1. To find the solution simply integrate the e_r section by dr. $$\nabla g = A$$ $$g = \int 3r^2sin v dr = r^3sinv + f(v)$$ Then integrate the e_v section similarly: $$g = \int r^3cosv dv = r^3sinv + f(r)$$ From these we can see that ##g = r^3sinv + C## But the answer is apparently that there...
  9. ermia

    Finding Constants: Potential and Field Analysis

    I have wrote all feilds and potentials and I want to find the constants. My first question is " when we say in the a<x<2a the potential is V(x)" then the potential in the a is V(a) or V(0) ( cause it is 0 in our new area) ? Second one is " when I want to write the gausses law for the point x=a I...
  10. M

    A Normalization of Morse potential wavefunctions

    Hello! I am trying to use the wavefunctions of a Morse potential as defined in the link provided. They define a parameter ##z## and the wavefunctions are in terms of z. In my particular case, given their definitions, I have ##\lambda = 132.19377##, ##a=1.318 A^{-1}## and ##R_e = 2.235 A##. I am...
  11. codebpr

    A The kinetic term of the Hamiltonian is not positive definite

    I am trying to reproduce the results from this paper. On page 10 of the paper, they have an equation: $$ \frac{S}{T}=\int dt\sum _{n=0,1} (\dot{c_n}{}^2-c_n^2 \omega _n^2)+11.3 c_0^3+21.5 c_0 c_1^2+10.7 c_0 \dot{c_0}{}^2+3.32 c_0 \dot{c_1}{}^2+6.64 \dot{c_0} c_1 \dot{c_1} \tag{B12} $$ where they...
  12. A

    I Explicit non-local form for the vector potential?

    Hello everyone, I was looking at the light matter interaction Hamiltonian and I worked out a simple calculation where I was surprised to see that I had to introduce an explicitly non-local vector potential if I want to go further: $$\langle\psi|...
  13. H

    Allowed energy for a potential in quantum mechanics

    Hi, I'm working on a problem where I need to find the different energies allowed for a potential, and I found this link https://quantummechanics.ucsd.edu/ph130a/130_notes/node151.html, which is similar of what I'm doing. I'm using mathematica to find the values of E. However, I'm not sure how...
  14. Lotto

    What is the length of an infinite potential well for an electron?

    I have a nanoparticle of cadmium selenide with a diameter d. When it emits a photon with a wavelenght lambda, it happens because an electron jumps from the conduction band to the occupied band across a forbidden band. I can suppose that jump as a jump from a higher energy level (the conduction...
  15. cwill53

    Calculation of Electrostatic Potential Given a Volume Charge Density

    Part (a) was simple, after applying $$Q=\int_{\mathbb{R}^3}^{}\rho \, d^3\mathbf{r}$$ I found that the total charge of the configuration was zero. Part (b) is where the difficulties arise for me. I applied $$V(\mathbf{r})=\frac{1}{4\pi \epsilon _0}\int_{\Gamma }^{}\frac{\rho...
  16. J

    Why is the height of the table not necessary to solve this problem?

    Ki + Ui = Kf + Uf 1/2)kx2 = (1/2)mvf2, but W = (1/2)mvf2 = F∆d, so 1/2)kx^2 = F∆d. The solution says that I should just substitute v as d/t. But could anyone explain why my reasoning is wrong? Thanks.
  17. T

    Hall effect over a conducting ring

    This is the diagram provided in the question: The ring is made of conducting material. I was originally asked to find the potential difference between ##a## and ##b##. I did so using the Hall effect (and assuming it would work as per normal in this situation). This got me ##\Delta V = vBl##...
  18. Ashish Somwanshi

    Finite potential well problem penetration depth

    I don't understand where I went wrong, the formula and calculations which I have attached are correct...please do help if anyone can spot the mistake.
  19. JH_1870

    A Relationship between magnetic potential and current density in Maxwell

    I am currently studying to solve Maxwell's equations using FEM. I have a question about Maxwell's equations while studying. I understood that the magnetic potential becomes ▽^2 Az = -mu_0 Jz when the current flows only in the z-axis. I also understood the effect of the current flowing in a...
  20. Ashish Somwanshi

    Maximizing Learning: The Importance of Showing Your Work in Problem Solving

  21. T

    Electric Potential of a Sphere: A Puzzling Problem

    I can calculate the electric field strength at any point above the plane with Gauss' Law (##E = \frac{\eta}{\varepsilon_0}##) and so the electric potential at any point a perpendicular distance ##z## above the conducting plane (##V=−\frac{\eta}{\varepsilon_0}z##). But I'm having trouble taking...
  22. Ashish Somwanshi

    Infinite potential well problem normalization

    I have attached my attempt and proof that my attempts were incorrect.
  23. R

    Use Gauss' Law to calculate the electrostatic potential for this cylinder

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  24. C

    I Looking for a trajectory integrator that also supports cubic potential

    The context: I created an educational resource, a set of interactive diagrams that allow the user to see how Hamilton's stationary action arrrives at the true trajectory. There is a diagram for each of the following three cases: - Uniform force, hence the potential increases linear with...
  25. Ahmed1029

    I Is electromotive force always equal to potential difference?

    In the case motional emf, there is a static magnetic field and a rectulgular loop that goes into the field region, then current is produced. There is no electric field, but there is an emf. However, Griffiths states that emf is equal to the potential difference between the source endpoints. But...
  26. tomdodd4598

    I Equations of Motion for Massless Particle in Potential

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  27. A

    B Gravitational Potential Energy & Mass Change: Andrew's Question

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  28. P

    Calculating eletric potential using line integral of electric field

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  29. Addez123

    Find surface of maximum flux given the vector field's potential

    The vectorfield is $$A = grad \Phi$$ $$A = x^2 + y^2 + z^2 - (x^4 + y^4 + z^4 + 2x^2y^2 + 2x^2z^2 + 2y^2z^2)$$ The surface with maximum flux is the same as the volume of maximum divergence, thus: $$div A = 6 - 20(x^2 + y^2 + z^2)$$ This would suggest at the point 0,0,0 the flux is at maximum...
  30. Salmone

    I Doubt on Morse potential and harmonic oscillator

    I have a little doubt about Morse potential used for vibration levels of diatomic molecules. With regard to the image below, if the diatomic molecule is in the vibrational ground state, when the oscillation reaches the maximum amplitude for that state the velocity of the molecule must be zero so...
  31. maxolina

    I Potential energy of a pressurized gas canister in space

    Suppose there is a pressurized gas canister in space, at rest. With a mass "m" of gas inside of it at a pressure "P". Next the valve of the canister is opened. The canister will accelerate in the opposite direction to the valve opening. When all the gas has left the canister, it will be moving...
  32. arjun_ar

    Calculate the magnetic field from the vector potential

    I am trying to derive radial and axial magnetic fields of a current carrying loop from its magnetic vector potential. So far, I have succeeded in deriving the radial field but axial field derivation gives me trouble. My derivation of radial field (eq 1) can be found here. Can anyone point out...
  33. S

    I "A system tries to minimize total potential energy"

    While reading this thread on Stack Exchange... https://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/113092/why-does-a-system-try-to-minimize-potential-energy ... a question came to mind : - Say an object is launched away from Earth at a velocity greater than the escape velocity. This system will not end...
  34. JandeWandelaar

    A What is the cause of the Mexican hat potential of the Higgs field?

    The Higgs mechanism is an ingenious mechanism inspired by condensed state physics. The famous Mexican hat potential ensures a VEV value of about two times the mass of the Higgs particle (which, as an aside, is of comparable order as the W and Z vector bosons, the difference though is that its a...
  35. C

    I Gravitational potential energy

    Hello everyone! I noticed in the derivation of potential energy, Mr Lewin defined the gravitational potential energy of a mass m at point P relative to a much larger mass M. He says the potential energy of m at point P is equal to the work he would have to do to move the mass m from infinity to...
  36. M

    Potential for progression at now age 70

    Hi. At age 70 having retired and now having time to study I am just completing my first-year physics degree at the open university with good results. It is I think healthy and good to have an ongoing ambition, mine to get a job with the ESA before I am 80, maybe but clearly optimistically to be...
  37. Delta2

    Potential energy of a sphere in the field of itself

    My attempt was to consider spherical shells of radius ##r## (##r\leq R##))and thickness ##dr## and then the potential energy of this shell would be in the field only of the "residual" sphere of radius ##r## (a result also known as shell theorem) $$U_{dr}=G\frac{\rho\frac{4}{3}\pi r^3 \rho 4\pi...
  38. warhammer

    B Difference Between Potential and Potential Energy

    In generic terms and expressions without going into specificity or nature of fields/forces in order to highlight the same, how exactly could we characterise the distinction between 'Potential' & 'Potential Energy'?
  39. N

    Electric Potential Field Calculation

    I've already tried to calculate the potential with respect to the 3 segments and then apply superposition (V1+V2+V3). However, I was not very successful. My error I think is in the calculation of the radii, mainly of the line segment that is on the z axis. Can anybody help me? I need some light...
  40. MiSTSiM

    Given two Earth satellites, A and B, find the potential energy/kinetic energy

    = -3.7298538168*10^13, -2.0594767123*10^13 Ive tried this equation with both masses and my homework keeps coming back with the wrong answer. I've tried checking my arithmetic but I cannot find anything wrong with it please help haven't gotten the chance to try B but I am pretty sure it will be...
  41. LCSphysicist

    The potential electric and vector potential of a moving charge

    I could try to apply the Liénard-WIechert equations immediatally, but i am not sure if i understand it appropriately, so i tried to find by myself, and would like to know if you agree with me. When the information arrives in ##P##, the particle will be at ##r##, such that this condition need to...
  42. Haorong Wu

    I Potential Energy in Wormholes: Charged Particles & Electric Fields

    Suppose a charged particle is in an electric field and feels an electric potential. Then the particle travels through a wormhole to another electric field and the particle feels a different electric potential. The potential energy of the particle will change. So what will that part of potential...
  43. R

    Relationship between diameter and elastic potential energy of a wire

    I think the answer is that the elastic potential energy will be a 1/16th of the original value. This is my reasoning: 1) If the diameter doubles, the cross sectional area is 4 times the original value. (from A= πr2). 2) F= stress/area. Force (load is the same). If cross sectional area...
  44. S

    I Hamilton’s principle maximises potential energy?

    Hamilton’s principle minimises kinetic energy minus potential energy, that is, with a fixed kinetic energy, Hamilton's principle maximises potential energy. What if we consider the limit that the kinetic energy or the mass/the inertia can be ignored then the lagrangian is solely the negative of...
  45. C

    Voltage and Potential: Understanding the Difference

    I've heard in this video that the voltage is the electrical potential difference, for two points (A, and B) you measure their voltage and you subtract to find the difference. If you measure the voltage at A isn't that a 'electrcal potential difference' between two points? So is the voltage at...
  46. N

    The connection between potential energy and force

    Hi, if the force is the derivative of potential energy, does it mean that the force is equal to mg and with a constant gravity, it will be the same at any height? But in real life, F (or mg) would be different on the Earth's surface and 400 km above it (~8 m/s^2). So, this formula is used to...
  47. T

    I What is the relationship between force and potential in particle interactions?

    Suppose I have some interaction potential, u(r), between two repelling particles. We will name them particles 1 and 2. I want to find the force vectors F_12 and F_21. Would I be correct in saying that the x-component of F_12 would be given by -du/dx, y-component -du/dy etc? And to find the...
  48. C

    B Potential energy and lifting an object vertically

    So the potential energy of an object in a gravitational field is pe=hmg where h is the height of the object in the gravitational field in meters m is the mass in kilograms and g is the acceleration in meters per second per second I read on an answer to a question that the force to lift an...
  49. E

    Potential and Kinetic energy equations including drag coefficient

    1. Golf ball initial potential energy uncertainty (110-5kg 0.01 m 0.01m/s2)= 110-9J4.31210-5=4.31210-14j 2. Golf ball initial potential energy calculation (4.4 x10-4kg 9.8 m/s2 0.609 m)= 4.31210-54.31210-14j 3.Golf ball final potential energy uncertainty ( 110-5kg 0.0 m0.01 m/s2)= 0.0 J 4...
  50. J

    Exploring the Potential of Vacuum Airships

    I was thinking about the vacuum airship concept that was conceived a long time ago. For example: I think the main problem is the required structural strength of the container, and also being light weight. I have not run any numbers, what do you think the potential issues with the following...
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