Potential energy of a book resting on a floor

In summary, when a book rests on a floor, it has zero potential energy. However, if it rests on a table, it will have a potential energy equal to mgh, where h is the height of the table, m is the mass of the book, and g is the gravity. This can be adjusted by adding a constant without affecting the physical dynamics of the problem. The work done in raising the book from the floor to the table is equal to the potential energy gained.
  • #1
chandran
139
1
What energy a book resting on a floor has? If it rests on a table it will have a potential energy equal to mgh where h is the height of the table,m is the mass of the book and g is the gravity but if it rests on the floor what is the energy it has? Any thoughts on this?
 
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  • #2
Whatever you want. I can readjust the "zero" of my potential energy by adding a constant to it without affecting the physical dynamics of any problem.
 
  • #3
chandran said:
What energy a book resting on a floor has? If it rests on a table it will have a potential energy equal to mgh.
The work done in raising the book from the floor to the top of the table, at height h, is W = F.d = mg.h. So, we have, from the work-energy theorem : U(floor) + work done = U(table), and plugging in values, U(floor) + mgh = mgh. Hence, U(floor) = 0
 

1. What is potential energy?

Potential energy is the stored energy an object possesses due to its position or configuration. It is the energy that an object has the potential to convert into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy, when it is in motion.

2. How is potential energy related to a book resting on a floor?

When a book is resting on a floor, it has potential energy due to its position above the ground. The book has the potential to fall and convert its potential energy into kinetic energy when it is dropped.

3. What factors affect the potential energy of a book resting on a floor?

The potential energy of a book resting on a floor is affected by its mass, height from the ground, and the strength of the gravitational field it is in. The higher the book is from the ground and the heavier it is, the more potential energy it will have.

4. How can the potential energy of a book resting on a floor be calculated?

The potential energy of a book resting on a floor can be calculated using the formula PE = mgh, where m is the mass of the book, g is the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s²), and h is the height of the book from the ground in meters.

5. Can potential energy be converted into other forms of energy?

Yes, potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy. When the book is dropped from its resting position, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Other examples of potential energy being converted into kinetic energy include a stretched spring releasing and a raised weight falling.

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