Define the term potential energy of a body. Name its two forms and give one example of each.
Define the term potential energy of a body. Name its two forms and give one example of each.
Potential energy: The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its specific position (or changed configuration) is called the potential energy. Different forms of P.E. are listed below:
(i) Gravitational potential energy: The potential energy possessed by a body due to its position relative to the centre of Earth is called its gravitational potential energy. Example: A stone at a height has gravitational potential energy due to its raised height.
(ii) Elastic potential energy: The potential energy possessed by a body in the deformed state due to change in its configuration is called its elastic potential energy. Example: A compressed spring has elastic potential energy due to its compressed state
Potential energy: The energy possessed by a body by virtue of its specific position (or changed configuration) is called the potential energy. Different forms of P.E. are listed below:
(i) Gravitational potential energy: The potential energy possessed by a body due to its position relative to the centre of Earth is called its gravitational potential energy. Example: A stone at a height has gravitational potential energy due to its raised height.
(ii) Elastic potential energy: The potential energy possessed by a body in the deformed state due to change in its configuration is called its elastic potential energy. Example: A compressed spring has elastic potential energy due to its compressed state
