Potential Energy – Definition, Factors, and Examples
Introduction:
In this session, we are going to learn about elastic potential energy and the relation between elastic energy, force, and change in length.
Explanation:
Potential Energy
The energy of a body due to its position or change in shape is known as potential energy.
Its SI unit is Joule or kg m2/s2.
Examples of Potential Energy
A few examples are:
- A raised object above the ground
- Water that is stored in a dam
- A vehicle that is parked at the top of a hill
- A yoyo before it is released
- Water that is stored in an over-roof tank
- A book on a table before it falls
- A child at the top of a slide
- Stretched rubber
Factors Affecting Potential Energy
1. Mass of the body
The more the mass of the body, the greater the potential energy. The less the mass of the body, the smaller the potential energy.
PE ∝ mass of the object
2. Height above the ground
The more is the height of the body, the greater the potential energy. The less the height of the body, the smaller the potential energy.
Potential energy does not depend on the path it follows.
PE ∝ height above the ground
3. Change in shape
The more is stretching, bending, or twisting the more potential energy.
Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in objects when they are stretched or compressed.
The more an object can stretch, the more elastic potential energy it has.
Elastic potential energy is possessed by an object due to its state of deformation.
Example of Elastic Potential Energy
A few examples of elastic potential energy are:
1. Stretching of a spring
2. Stretching of a rubber band
3. Stretching of a slinky
4. Stretching of a bow
The Equation for Elastic Potential Energy
Questions and Answers
Question 1: What will be the new elastic energy when the length of the object is changed by keeping the force the same:
- 5
- 5
- 3
Answer:
- E’ = ½ F’x’
F’ = F
x’ = 5x
E’ = ½ F (5x) = 5 (½ Fx) = 5E
b. E’ = ½ F’x’
F’ = F
x’ = x/8
E’ = ½ F(x/8) = 1/8 (1/2 fx) = E/8
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