What is Potential Energy? A 5 Minute Introduction

Context: Undergrad
Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
Start date Jul 24, 2014
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Energy Introduction Potential Potential energy

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SUMMARY

Potential energy (PE) is defined as the negative work done by a conservative force, as established by the work-energy theorem. For conservative forces, the sum of energy and potential energy remains constant. In practical terms, when an object of mass m moves to a height h, it loses energy due to gravitational force, represented by the integral mgh. Potential energy is always measured relative to a chosen reference level, which can be arbitrary based on convenience.

PREREQUISITES

Understanding of the work-energy theorem
Basic knowledge of conservative and non-conservative forces
Familiarity with integrals in physics
Concept of scalar quantities in physics

NEXT STEPS

Study the work-energy theorem in detail
Explore the differences between conservative and non-conservative forces
Learn about gravitational potential energy calculations
Investigate applications of potential energy in mechanical systems

USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators teaching energy concepts, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of potential energy and its applications in real-world scenarios.

Jul 24, 2014

Greg Bernhardt

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Definition/Summary
Potential energy is simply another name for (minus) the work done by a conservative force.
Since the work-energy theorem states that change in energy minus work done is constant, that means that for a conservative force, energy plus potential energy is constant.
For example, a object of mass m moving a height h and distance s along a curved path up a slope loses energy \int mg\,dh because of the force of gravity and \int \mathbf{F}\cdot d\mathbf{s} because of the force F of friction. Gravity is conservative (while friction is not) and so the first integral may be replaced simply by mgh
Potential energy is measured relative to an arbitrary level, which in each case may be taken to be whatever is most convenient (for example the starting level, or infinity).
Potential energy (commonly shortened to PE) is a scalar (an ordinary number), with the same dimensions as energy...

Last edited: Apr 2, 2021