• As the object speeds up, its potential energy decreases. It is the energy that an object possesses when it is not in motion. Potential energy is one of the two main types of energy. As a moving object slows down, its potential energy increases. Potential energy is energy that an object stores.[1]
• A steel ball has more potential energy raised above the ground than it has after falling to the Earth. A spring has more potential energy when it is compressed or stretched. Potential energy, stored energy that depends upon the relative position of various parts of a system.[2]
• Scottish scientist William Rankine first coined the term potential energy in the 19th century. The equation for calculating the potential energy of a spring is PE = 1/2 * k * x2, where k is the spring constant and x is the amount of compression.[3]

Key Takeaways:

• Potential energy is the stored energy an object has because of its position or condition. It can be transformed into other types of energy, like kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
• Potential energy is crucial in everyday life, from hydroelectric power plants to thrilling roller coasters. Understanding it helps us comprehend how objects and systems behave in our world.

Interesting Facts about Potential Energy

• Scottish scientist William Rankine first coined the term potential energy in the 19th century.
• The equation for calculating the potential energy of a spring is PE = 1/2 * k * x 2, where k is the spring constant and x is the amount of compression.
• The concept of potential energy goes all the way back to Ancient Greece and the philosopher Aristotle.