Potential Energy

Potential Energy

High School

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Learning Objectives

Key Vocabulary

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Potential Energy

This is the stored energy of an object based on its position or configuration.

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Joule (J)

The metric unit for energy, equal to work done by a one-newton force over one meter.

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Mechanical Energy

The sum of the potential and kinetic energy in a mechanical system.

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Elastic Potential Energy

Energy stored in an object by stretching or compressing it, such as in a spring.

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Chemical Potential Energy

Energy stored within the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules.

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Gravitational Potential

Gravitational Potential Energy is energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field.

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What is Potential Energy?

• Potential energy is stored energy due to an object’s position or state.

• Energy, the ability to do work, is measured in Joules (kg·m²/s²).

• Energy converts between potential and kinetic but is never destroyed.

• Mechanical energy is the total potential and kinetic energy in a system.

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Solved Example 1
A 2.5 kg book rests on a shelf 1.8 m above the floor. What is its gravitational potential energy (GPE)? Use 9.8 m/s² for gravity.

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Step 1: Analyze and Sketch the Problem

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Solved Example 1
A 2.5 kg book rests on a shelf 1.8 m above the floor. What is its gravitational potential energy (GPE)? Use 9.8 m/s² for gravity.

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Step 2: Solve for the Unknown

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Solved Example 1
A 2.5 kg book rests on a shelf 1.8 m above the floor. What is its gravitational potential energy (GPE)? Use 9.8 m/s² for gravity.

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Step 3: Evaluate the Answer

Multiple Choice

What is the total amount of potential and kinetic energy within a system referred to as?

• Stored energy

• Joule energy

• Mechanical energy

• Positional energy

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Elastic and Chemical Potential Energy

Elastic Potential Energy

Chemical Potential Energy

• ​This is the energy that has been stored inside the chemical bonds between atoms in a substance.

• ​​This form of energy can be released when chemical bonds are broken during a chemical reaction.

• ​Common examples of this include firewood, the food we eat, and the energy stored in a battery.

Multiple Choice

Which form of potential energy is stored in the bonds of atoms and is released when those bonds are broken?

• Chemical Potential Energy

• Gravitational Potential Energy

• Mechanical Energy

• Elastic Potential Energy

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What Is Gravitational Potential Energy?

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Multiple Choice

Based on the formula $$GPE = mgh$$ , which factor has a direct influence on an object's gravitational potential energy?

• The object's horizontal speed

• The object's height above the surface

• The object's temperature

• The object's color

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Calculating Gravitational Potential Energy

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Multiple Choice

Using the information provided, what is the gravitational potential energy of a 5 kg box that is 32 m above the surface of Jupiter (g = 24.79 m/s²)?

• 123.95 J

• 793.28 J

• 3966.4 J

• 1568 J

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Common Misconceptions about Energy

Misconception	Correction
Energy can be created or destroyed.	Energy only transforms from one form to another; it's always conserved.
Potential energy is the energy of motion.	Potential energy is stored energy. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
An object on the ground has zero energy.	It has zero gravitational potential energy but still has chemical potential energy.

Multiple Choice

How does the spring constant, k, affect the elastic potential energy of a spring?

• The spring constant only affects kinetic energy.

• The spring constant has no effect on potential energy.

• A higher spring constant leads to less stored potential energy.

• A higher spring constant leads to more stored potential energy.

Multiple Choice

Why does a 5 kg box have more gravitational potential energy when it is 10 meters high compared to 5 meters high?

• Because potential energy is directly proportional to height.

• Because its mass increases with height.

• Because the force of gravity is stronger at 10 meters.

• Because its kinetic energy is converted to potential energy.

Multiple Choice

Analyze the change in gravitational potential energy if a leopard with a mass of 55.00 kg climbs from a height of 3.0 m to the top of a 12.0 m tree. (Use g = 9.8 m/s²)

• The GPE increases by 1617 J.

• The GPE increases by 6468 J.

• The GPE decreases by 4851 J.

• The GPE increases by 4851 J.

Multiple Choice

Predict the outcome for the GPE of a 90.7 kg person on a 1,575 m building if they were transported to Jupiter, where gravity is 24.79 m/s². How would the GPE change compared to on Earth?

• The GPE would significantly increase because Jupiter's gravity is much stronger.

• The GPE would remain the same because mass and height are constant.

• The GPE would become zero because there is no ground reference.

• The GPE would decrease because Jupiter is larger.

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Summary

Poll

On a scale of 1-4, how confident are you about the concepts covered in today's review?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4