Does everything have potential energy?

AI Thread Summary
All physical objects possess potential energy (PE) when in a force field, regardless of their state of motion. Objects at rest have PE relative to their position in a gravitational field, while moving objects can possess both kinetic and potential energy if they are within a force field. The discussion emphasizes that energy is relative and context-dependent. While every object has potential energy in certain conditions, moving bodies primarily exhibit kinetic energy unless influenced by a force field. Overall, the concept of potential energy is tied to the presence of a force field and the object's position within it.
Miyz
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Do all physical objects at rest or in motion have PE?
 
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Potential is a function of any field so if a material is in a force field then it must have some potential
 
Shan K said:
Potential is a function of any field so if a material is in a force field then it must have some potential

Indeed.

Everything has potential energy. Whether in motion or not.
 
Energy is relative.

Two objects on a table have PE with respect to the floor but not with respect to each other (if we ignore the very small gravitational attraction between them).
 
Miyz said:
Indeed.

Everything has potential energy. Whether in motion or not.

it is not true for every case . If a body is moving it only has kinetic energy but if is in motion in a force field it will have potential energy also
 
Interesting.
 

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