Mechanical Energy: Does a Moving Block Have Potential Energy?

AI Thread Summary
A block with initial velocity on a flat horizontal surface does not possess potential energy, as it is in motion and all its energy is kinetic. Potential energy is only present if the block is attached to a system that can store energy, such as a spring. Gravitational potential energy is not applicable in this scenario since there is no elevation change. The consensus is that without an external system to store energy, the block retains only kinetic energy. Thus, a moving block on a flat surface has no potential energy.
KTiaam
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I have a quick question:

does a block that has initial velocity from start have any potential energy on a flat surface (not on an angle or anything just a flat horizontal surface) ?

I was thinking no because it has no energy stored and all of it is kinetic, because it is in motion?
 
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KTiaam said:
I have a quick question:

does a block that has initial velocity from start have any potential energy on a flat surface (not on an angle or anything just a flat horizontal surface) ?

I was thinking no because it has no energy stored and all of it is kinetic, because it is in motion?

No, it doesn't. Unless it's attached to something else that can store potential energy, like a spring or something. Certainly not in gravitational.
 
Dick said:
No, it doesn't. Unless it's attached to something else that can store potential energy, like a spring or something. Certainly not in gravitational.
I agree and also unless its atached to somehig elastic then it would have elastic potential energy.
 

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