What is the definition of potential energy of a system?

In summary, the discussion is about the potential energy of a system and its definition. The conversation also mentions relevant equations and the concept of potential energy in relation to particles and objects.
  • #1
engineeringstudnt
15
5
Homework Statement
potential energy of a system ?
Relevant Equations
w=DeltaU
hi guys i am encountered with a question that is : two protons in a helium atom stand close together,approximately at a distance of 2 fm. what is the potential energy of this system ?

i can understand the concepts that are potential of a particle or potentail of a object etc but can't understand the potential of a system concept what is the definition of this ? can you explain?
 
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  • #2
How much work is required to bring those two protons together from infinitely far apart?
 
  • #3
engineeringstudnt said:
Homework Statement:: potential energy of a system ?
Relevant Equations:: w=DeltaU

i can understand the concepts that are potential of a particle or potentail of a object etc but can't understand the potential of a system concept
That's a bit paradoxical. Potential energy is really a property of a system. When you refer to the potential energy of a rock at the top of a cliff you mean the potential energy of the Earth-rock system.
 
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1. What is potential energy of a system?

Potential energy of a system is the stored energy that an object or system possesses due to its position, shape, or state. It is the energy that an object or system has the potential to convert into other forms of energy.

2. How is potential energy of a system calculated?

The potential energy of a system is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the acceleration due to gravity and the height of the object above a reference point. The formula for potential energy is PE = mgh, where m is the mass, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and h is the height.

3. What are the different types of potential energy?

There are several types of potential energy, including gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, chemical potential energy, and nuclear potential energy. Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field, while elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in chemical bonds, and nuclear potential energy is the energy stored in the nucleus of an atom.

4. How does potential energy change in a system?

Potential energy can change in a system when there is a change in the position, shape, or state of the object or system. For example, if an object is lifted to a higher position, its potential energy increases, and if it is lowered, its potential energy decreases. Similarly, if an object is stretched or compressed, its potential energy changes.

5. What is the relationship between potential energy and kinetic energy?

Potential energy and kinetic energy are two forms of energy that are interrelated. When an object has potential energy, it has the potential to convert it into kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion. As an object moves, its potential energy decreases, and its kinetic energy increases. This relationship is described by the law of conservation of energy, which states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred from one form to another.

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