Question

What are the two types of potential energy? Give two examples of each.

Answer 1

There are two main types of potential energy -

Gravitational potential energy:

1. The energy of an object due to its vertical position as the force of gravitation always tries to pull it down, is known as the object's Gravitational Potential Energy.

Example:

1. Water that is behind a dam.
2. A car that is parked at the top of a hill.

Elastic potential energy:

1. Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in stretched objects and compressed objects.

Example:

1. A stretched rubber band.
2. A stretched bow etc.
3. A compressed spring.