Grade 10
  1. Mechanics  1.1. Dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration  1.1.6. Graphical representation of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion  1.1.8. Free fall and acceleration due to gravity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative speed  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's Laws of Motion  1.2.2. Inertia and mass  1.2.3. Force and its types  1.2.4. action and reaction force  1.2.5. Friction and its effects  1.2.6. Coefficient of friction  1.2.7. Circular motion  1.2.8. Centripetal force and centripetal acceleration  1.2.9. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.10. Conservation of momentum  1.2.11. Newton's third law and applications  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by the force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic energy  1.3.4. Potential energy  1.3.5. Mechanical energy  1.3.6. Energy Conservation  1.3.7. Power and efficiency  1.3.8. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources  1.4. Gravitational force  1.4.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  1.4.2. Gravitational field and field strength  1.4.3. Acceleration due to gravity on different planets  1.4.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  1.4.5. Orbits and satellites  1.4.6. Weight and apparent weight  1.4.7. Gravitational potential energy
  2. Properties of matter  2.1. States of matter  2.1.1. Solid, liquid and gas  2.1.2. Molecular structure of matter  2.1.3. Intermolecular forces  2.1.4. Plasma and Bose–Einstein condensate  2.2. Pressure  2.2.1. Definition of Pressure  2.2.2. Pressure in liquids  2.2.3. Atmospheric pressure  2.2.4. Pascal's principle  2.2.5. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  2.2.6. Surface tension and capillarity  2.3. Elasticity  2.3.1. Hooke's law  2.3.2. Stress and strain  2.3.3. Elastic Limit and Modulus of Elasticity  2.3.4. Applications of Elasticity
  3. Thermal physics  3.1. heat and temperature  3.1.1. Difference Between Heat and Temperature  3.1.2. Temperature scale  3.1.3. Thermal expansion  3.1.4. Thermal equilibrium  3.2. Heat transfer  3.2.1. Conductivity  3.2.2. Convection  3.2.3. Radiation  3.2.4. Insulation and its applications  3.3. Thermal properties of matter  3.3.1. Specific heat capacity  3.3.2. Latent heat and phase change  3.3.3. Boiling and Melting Point  3.3.4. Heat engines and refrigeration  3.4. Laws of Thermodynamics  3.4.1. Zeroth law of thermodynamics  3.4.2. First law of thermodynamics  3.4.3. Second law of thermodynamics  3.4.4. Carnot cycle
  4. Waves and optics  4.1. Nature and properties of waves  4.1.1. Types of waves in nature and properties of waves  4.1.2. Transverse and longitudinal waves  4.1.3. Wave parameters  4.1.4. Reflection and refraction of waves  4.1.5. Superposition and Interference  4.1.6. Standing Waves and Resonance  4.1.7. Doppler effect  4.2. Sound waves  4.2.1. Characteristics of sound waves  4.2.2. Speed of sound in different mediums  4.2.3. Applications of sound waves  4.2.4. Ultrasound and its uses  4.3. Light Waves and Optics  4.3.1. Nature of light  4.3.2. Reflection of light  4.3.3. Laws of reflection  4.3.4. Mirrors and Image Formation  4.3.5. Refraction of light  4.3.6. Snell's Law  4.3.7. Lenses and Image Formation  4.3.8. Total internal reflection and critical angle  4.3.9. Optical fibre  4.4. Optical Instruments  4.4.1. Microscope  4.4.2. Telescope  4.4.3. Human eye and vision defects  4.4.4. Camera and its working principle
  5. Electricity and Magnetism  5.1. Electrostatics  5.1.1. Electric charge and its properties  5.1.2. Conductors and Insulators  5.1.3. Coulomb's law  5.1.4. Electric field and field lines  5.1.5. Electric potential and potential difference  5.1.6. Capacitors and Capacitance  5.2. Current Electricity  5.2.1. Electric current and its measurement  5.2.2. Ohm's law  5.2.3. Resistance and resistivity  5.2.4. Series and Parallel Circuits  5.2.5. Electric power and energy  5.2.6. Kirchhoff's Laws  5.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  5.3.1. Magnetic field and field lines  5.3.2. Magnetic effects of electric current  5.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  5.3.4. Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction  5.3.5. Transformers and Applications  5.3.6. AC and DC current
  6. Modern Physics  6.1. Nuclear physics  6.1.1. Structure of the atom  6.1.2. Bohr's atomic model  6.1.3. Electron Energy Levels  6.1.4. X-rays and applications  6.2. Radioactivity  6.2.1. Types of radiation  6.2.2. Half-life and radioactive decay  6.2.3. Nuclear reactions and applications  6.2.4. Fission and Fusion  6.3. Quantum physics  6.3.1. Wave–particle duality  6.3.2. Photoelectric effect  6.3.3. Energy quantization  6.3.4. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  7. Electronics and Communication  7.1. Semiconductors  7.1.1. Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors  7.1.2. Diodes and their applications  7.1.3. Transistors and Logic Gates  7.1.4. LEDs and photodiodes  7.2. Communication Systems  7.2.1. Basics of communication  7.2.2. Analog and digital signals  7.2.3. Wireless and optical fibre communication  7.2.4. Radio Waves and Modulation

Grade 10 → Mechanics → Work, Energy and Power ↓


Potential energy


Introduction

In the world of physics, potential energy is a fascinating concept that deals with the energy stored within a system. It is the energy held by an object due to its position relative to other objects, tension within itself, its electrical charge, or other factors. This energy has the "potential" to do work. This stored energy can be converted into kinetic energy to do mechanical work.

What is potential energy?

Potential energy is a type of energy that an object has because of its position or state. Unlike kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion, potential energy is the energy of position. It lies quietly in an object, waiting for the right conditions to release its power.

The most common types of potential energy include gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy, and chemical potential energy.

Types of potential energy

Gravitational potential energy

Gravitational potential energy is the energy that is stored in an object as a result of its height above the ground or a lower surface. Think of a book placed on a shelf. Since it is raised to a certain height, it has gravitational potential energy. If it falls, this energy is transformed into kinetic energy as the book gains speed.

        The formula for gravitational potential energy (PEG) is:
        PE g = m * g * h
        
        Where:
        m = mass of the object (in kilograms)
        g = acceleration due to gravity (about 9.8 m/s² on Earth)
        h = height above the reference point (in metres)
H Ground (reference point)

Elastic potential energy

Elastic potential energy is stored when a material is stretched or compressed. A classic example of this is a spring or rubber band. When you compress a spring or stretch a rubber band, you store energy. Release it, and the stored energy will convert to kinetic energy.

        The formula for elastic potential energy (PE elastic) is:
        PE elastic = 0.5 * k * x²
        
        Where:
        k = spring constant (in N/m)
        x = displacement from the equilibrium position (in metres)
Stretched Spring

Chemical potential energy

Chemical potential energy is stored in the bonds of atoms and molecules. This form of energy can be released during a chemical reaction, such as when gasoline burns in an engine or when the food we eat is digested.

Everyday examples of potential energy

Water in the dam

The water stored in a high dam has gravitational potential energy. When it flows downhill through turbines, its potential energy is converted into kinetic energy, which can be used to generate electricity.

Dam

Bow and arrow

When you pull the bow string back, the bow stores elastic potential energy. When the string is released, this energy is transferred to the arrow as kinetic energy, causing it to move forward.

Bow string

Batteries

Batteries store chemical potential energy. When connected into a circuit, this energy is converted into electrical energy that powers devices.

Changes associated with potential energy

Potential energy can be converted into other forms of energy, and this transformation is central to many natural processes and technologies.

Anchor

The pendulum is a great example of energy transformation. At the highest point of its swing, it has maximum gravitational potential energy and minimum kinetic energy. As it swings downward, the potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

Roller coaster

The roller coaster has maximum potential energy at the top of the track. As it descends, this energy is converted into kinetic energy, causing the coaster to speed up. When it ascends again, the kinetic energy is converted back into potential energy.

Top of the track

Importance of potential energy

Potential energy is important in countless ways. It helps us understand how energy is stored, transferred, and conserved. Think of potential energy as a reservoir. Whether it's saving water in a dam or winding a grandfather clock, potential energy means storing energy so it can be used when needed.

Summary

Potential energy is an essential concept that explains the energy stored in an object based on its position or configuration. Whether it is lifting a weight, the pull of a waterfall, or the harnessing of water in a dam, potential energy plays a vital role in our understanding of the physical world. Understanding how objects store and release energy in the form of potential energy leads us to explore more advanced topics in physics and engineering.


Grade 10 → 1.3.4


U
username
0%
completed in Grade 10

← Prev (1.3.3)
Kinetic energy
Next (1.3.5) →
Mechanical energy

Comments 



Potential energy

https://www.physicsflow.com/g10/1.3.4?pfal=en