2. Potential energy is stored
energy
Potential energy is associated with an object that
has the potential to move because of its position
relative to some other location. Unlike kinetic
energy, potential energy depends not only on the
properties of an object but also on the object’s
interaction with its environment.
3. Gravitational Potential Energy
The energy associated with an object due to the
object’s position relative to a gravitational source
is called gravitational potential energy
4. Elastic Potential Energy
The energy available for use when a deformed
elastic object returns to its original configuration is
named elastic potential energy.
5.
6. PROBLEM
A spring with a force constant of 5.2 N/m has a
relaxed length of 2.45 m. When a mass is
attached to the end of the spring and allowed to
come to rest, the vertical length of the spring is
3.57 m. Calculate the elastic potential energy
stored in the spring.
8. Mechanical Energy
The sum of kinetic energy and all forms of
potential energy is called mechanical energy.
9. PROBLEM
Starting from rest, a child zooms down a
frictionless slide from an initial height of 3 m.
What is her speed at the bottom of the slide?
Assume she has a mass of 25 kg.