Potential Energy Examples

Potential Energy Examples Potential Energy Energy is the ability to do work or cause change. There are basically two main types of energy, kinetic and potential. Potential energy is energy that is stored. There are various types of stored, or potential energy. Chemical energy from a battery is a potential form of energy, elastic energy in a stretched rubber band is a form of potential energy, but the most commonly referred to form of potential energy in physics is that of gravitational potential energy. This is energy that is stored due to an object's position. It is dependent on the mass of the object, the height of the object above the ground or Earth, and the acceleration due to gravity. Examples of Potential Energy: 1. A rock sitting at the edge of a cliff has potential energy. If the rock falls, the potential energy will be converted to kinetic energy. 2. Tree branches high up in a tree have potential energy because they can fall to the ground. 3. A stick of dynamite has chemical potential energy that would be released when the activation energy from the fuse comes into contact with the chemicals. 4. The food we eat has chemical potential energy because as our body digests it, it provides us with energy for basic metabolism. 5. A stretched spring in a pinball machine has elastic potential energy and can move the steel ball when released. 6. When a crane swings a wrecking ball up to a certain height, it gains more potential energy and has the ability to crash through buildings. 7. A set of double "A" batteries in a remote control car possess chemical potential energy which can supply electricity to run the car. Potential Energy Examples Potential Energy Examples Potential Energy Potential energy is almost exactly what its name implies. It's the energy that an object or organism has, but isn't yet using. In other words, it has the potential to use it! This energy comes from conditions such as the object's position in relation to other objects, its level of internal stress, the object's electrical charge, or its state. The object with potential energy has the ability to transfer that energy into other forms of energy as the factors change. After transferring, the energy could then be kinetic, chemical, radiant, thermal, or sound energy. Examples of Potential Energy: 1. Providing the Outlet for Potential Energy A spring sitting by itself on a kitchen countertop isn't exhibiting its potential energy. But as soon as that spring is coiled and prior to its release, that is when it is at its maximum for potential energy. The same is true of a bow and arrow. Sitting still, the bow isn't demonstrating its potential energy, but as soon as the archer pulls the bow back, it is then exhibiting potential energy. 2. Chemical Potential Energy Potential energy can take the form of chemical energy, such as when a battery is charged but not in use yet or explosives or fireworks before they are activated by their fuses. Gasoline that hasn't yet been ignited, either by an external flame source or within a mechanical system due to spark plugs, is demonstrating potential energy. 3. Potential Energy in Nature Plants can exhibit chemical potential energy when they are not in direct contact with sunlight and therefore aren't generating sugars through photosynthesis. Forces of water can often demonstrate potential energy, such as when geysers are about to erupt or when a dam holds back the water. River water can exhibit potential energy when they reach the edge of a waterfall and have yet to fall. 4. Potential Energy in the Home Potential energy is all around us as we go about our day-to-day tasks. In the home, a light bulb that isn't on has potential energy, while a television that is off does as well. Ovens that are not turned on are displaying thermal potential energy. Solar cells on roofs or charging devices that are not absorbing sunlight have radiant potential energy.