Potential Energy

Potential Energy (PE) What is potential? Give me an example of when you have used the term Potential. What is potential? Give me an example of when you have used the term Potential. You have the potential to do well on the Unit 4 Test You have the potential to do well on the Unit 4 Test The Cubs have the potential to make it to the World Series The Cubs have the potential to make it to the World Series Definition: anything that may be possible Definition: anything that may be possible An object can store energy due to its position, shape, or state An object can store energy due to its position, shape, or state This is called potential energy This is called potential energy It has the potential to do work It has the potential to do work

Potential Energy (PE) takes place at the microscopic level all the time Potential Energy (PE) takes place at the microscopic level all the time Example: The food we eat Example: The food we eat How? The energy is in the food and available, it is just waiting for our bodies to perform reactions that release the energy! How? The energy is in the food and available, it is just waiting for our bodies to perform reactions that release the energy! Gravity also gives potential energy to an object. Gravity also gives potential energy to an object. The formula for potential energy due to gravity is The formula for potential energy due to gravity is PE g =mgh PE g =mgh PE g = mass x gravity x height PE g = mass x gravity x height

Gravitational Potential Energy If you hold an object, and lift it up in the air, it gains potential energy. When you drop the object, as it gets closer to the ground, its potential energy decreases. If you hold an object, and lift it up in the air, it gains potential energy. When you drop the object, as it gets closer to the ground, its potential energy decreases.

Elastic Potential Energy Energy stored in elastic materials Energy stored in elastic materials as the result of their stretching or compressing. Examples: rubber bands, bungee chords, trampolines, springs, an arrow drawn into a bow, etc. The amount of elastic potential energy stored in such a device is related to the amount of stretch of the device – the more stretch, the more stored energy

Springs Every spring has an intrinsic value based on size, shape, material Every spring has an intrinsic value based on size, shape, material Spring constant = k Spring constant = k PE elastic = ½ k x 2 PE elastic = ½ k x 2 x = distance spring is compressed/stretched from equilibrium position. x = distance spring is compressed/stretched from equilibrium position. Equilibrium = resting position Equilibrium = resting position