We explain what potential energy is, the different types that exist and some examples.
What is potential energy?
Potential energy is a type of mechanical energy that is associated with the relationship between a body and an external (if the object is located in the field) or internal (if the field is inside the object) field or system of forces. It is potential energy, that is, can be immediately transformed into other forms of energy like kinetics, for example.
The potential energy of a system, regardless of its origin, represents the “stored” energy in it given its configuration or position and, therefore, to measure it a reference point or configuration must be taken into account.
The concept of potential energy is useful for both conservative (which tend to preserve energy) and dissipative (which tend to lose energy) physical systems. The potential energy and kinetic energy of a system constitute its mechanical energy:
Potential energy + kinetic energy = total mechanical energy
This type of energy is studied not only by classical mechanics, but also by relativistic mechanics and quantum physics (which applies it to systems of particles).). Potential energy is classified according to the forces that give rise to it, such as gravitational, elastic, chemical, among others.
See also: Solar energy
gravitational potential energy
gravitational potential energy It is defined as the energy that a massive body possesses when immersed in a gravitational field. Gravitational fields are created around objects with very large masses (for example, masses of the planets and the Sun).
For example, a roller coaster car has maximum potential energy at its highest position due to being immersed in the Earth's gravitational field. Once the car is dropped, losing height, the potential energy is transformed into kinetic energy.
elastic potential energy
elastic potential energy It has to do with the property of elasticity of matter which is the tendency to recover its original shape after having been subjected to deforming forces greater than its resistance. A clear example of elastic energy is that of a spring that stretches or contracts due to an external force and returns to its original position once that force is no longer applied.
Another example is the bow and arrow system, in which the elastic potential energy reaches its maximum value as the bow is drawn by pulling on the elastic fiber, bending the wood slightly, but still with zero velocity. In the next instant, the potential energy becomes kinetic and the arrow is thrown at full speed forward.
chemical potential energy
Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in the chemical bonds of atoms and molecules. An example is glucose in our body, which stores chemical potential energy that our body (through a process called metabolism) transforms into caloric energy to maintain body temperature.
The same goes for the fossil fuel (hydrocarbons) in a car's gas tank. The chemical potential energy stored in the chemical bonds of gasoline is converted into mechanical energy to start the vehicle.
electrostatic potential energy
In electricity, the concept of potential energy also applies, which can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic, thermal or light, given the enormous versatility of electromagnetism.
In this case, the energy results from the field of electrical forces produced by the charged particles.
