Potential Energy Questions

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position.

In other words, potential energy refers to the energy which an object holds due to its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors.

For example, an object possesses gravitational potential energy if positioned at a height above (or below) the reference level.

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Important Potential Energy Questions with Answers

1. What is the formula to calculate the gravitational potential energy?

The Gravitational potential energy is given by the formula: U=mgh.

2. Stretching of the rubber band is an example of _____

1. Kinetic energy
2. Gravitational energy
3. Gravitational potential energy
4. Elastic potential energy

Answer: d) Elastic potential energy

Explanation: The energy stored in elastic materials and stretching/compressing of these materials gives the elastic potential energy.

3. The SI unit of energy is _____

1. Watts
2. Volts
3. Joule
4. Radians

Answer: c) Joule

Explanation: The SI unit of energy is Joule.

4. Choose YES or NO: Is nuclear energy a form of potential energy?

1. YES
2. NO

Answer: YES

Explanation: Nuclear energy is a form of potential energy.

5. The unit of kinetic energy is _____

1. kg.m²/s²
2. kg.m⁴/s⁴
3. kg.m/s²
4. m²/s²

Answer: a) kg.m²/s²

Explanation: The unit of kinetic energy is kg.m²/s².

6. A spring has _____ potential energy when stretched or compressed.

1. same
2. less
3. more
4. zero

Answer: c) more

Explanation: A spring has more potential energy when it is compressed or stretched.

7. What is the formula to calculate the potential energy?

1. mg+h
2. mgh
3. mg-h
4. mg/h

Answer: b) mgh

Explanation: Potential energy is given by the formula U=mgh

8. Which among the following can store the elastic potential energy?

1. Wooden box
2. Ground
3. Spring
4. Sky

Answer: c) Spring

Explanation: Since spring can stretch and compress, we can say that it can store elastic potential energy.

9. Who introduced the term potential energy?

The term potential energy was introduced by the Physicist William Rankine.

10. Which type of energy do bungee cords have?

1. Kinetic energy
2. Elastic potential energy
3. Gravitational energy
4. Gravitational potential energy

Answer: b) Elastic potential energy

Explanation: Bungee cords have elastic potential energy.

Practice Questions

1. What is energy, and how is it classified?
2. What is kinetic energy?
3. How is potential energy classified?
4. Explain elastic potential energy with examples.
5. Explain gravitational potential energy with examples.

Watch the video below to know about electric potential energy

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