Question

Define the term potential energy of a body. State its different forms and give one example of each.

Answer 1

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 as 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.