Potential Energy - AP Physics 1

Potential energy is $205.8 , \text{J}$. Using $PE = mgh = (7)(9.8)(3) = 205.8$ J.

$x$ is the displacement from equilibrium in meters. How far the spring is compressed or stretched from rest.

Potential energy quadruples. PE depends on $x^2$, so doubling $x$ increases PE by $4$.

Energy stored in an object when it is stretched or compressed. Deformation energy that can be recovered when released.

It is arbitrary and used for convenience in calculations. Chosen for mathematical convenience, not physical necessity.

Potential energy value changes, not the physical energy. Only the numerical value changes, not actual energy content.

Mechanical energy is the sum of potential and kinetic energy. Total energy available for motion without external work.

Potential energy doubles. PE is directly proportional to $k$ in $PE_s = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$.

Potential energy lost is $490 , \text{J}$. Using $\Delta PE = mgh = (10)(9.8)(5) = 490$ J decrease.

$h$ represents height above the reference point in meters. Vertical distance from the chosen zero PE reference level.

Gravitational potential energy doubles. PE is directly proportional to mass in $PE = mgh$.

Potential energy is $0.1875 , \text{J}$. Using $PE_s = \frac{1}{2}(150)(0.05)^2 = 0.1875$ J.

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or condition. PE depends on position in a force field, not motion.

Potential energy is $490 , \text{J}$. Using $PE = mgh = (5)(9.8)(10) = 490$ J.

No, potential energy depends only on position or condition. PE is a state function depending only on configuration.

$m$ represents mass in kilograms. Mass determines how much gravitational PE the object can have.

Yes, it is a form of mechanical energy. PE is one of two types of mechanical energy.

$PE_s = \frac{1}{2} k x^2$. Spring PE depends quadratically on displacement from equilibrium.

Potential energy increases. Moving against gravity increases gravitational PE.

$g$ represents the acceleration due to gravity, $9.8 , \text{m/s}^2$. Standard gravitational acceleration on Earth's surface.

Potential energy is a scalar quantity. PE has magnitude only, no direction like vectors.

Gravitational potential energy. Height changes as the pendulum swings back and forth.

Elastic potential energy. Bungee cords stretch like springs under load.

Potential energy is $294 , \text{J}$. Using $PE = mgh = (2)(9.8)(15) = 294$ J.

Potential energy to kinetic energy. Gravitational PE converts to motion energy during fall.

Potential energy is $1 , \text{J}$. Using $PE_s = \frac{1}{2}(200)(0.1)^2 = 1$ J.

Work done on an object results in a change in potential energy. Work transfers energy, changing the object's PE.

A point where potential energy is defined to be zero. Arbitrary level chosen for convenient PE calculations.

Potential energy decreases. Moving with gravity decreases gravitational PE.