Potential energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its position or configuration. It is stored energy that has the potential to do work.
Potential energy is calculated by multiplying the mass of the object by the acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s^2) and its height above the reference point.
Some examples of potential energy include a book on a high shelf, a stretched spring, and water held behind a dam.
Potential energy is converted into kinetic energy when the object is released from its position and starts to move. The potential energy is then transformed into the energy of motion, known as kinetic energy.
Potential energy and work are closely related. When an object moves from a position of higher potential energy to a position of lower potential energy, work is done. This work can be used to perform tasks and tasks require energy.