Define the term potential energy of a body. Name its two forms and give one example of each.

The energy possessed by a body at rest due to its position or size and shape is called the potential energy.

Different forms of potential energy are as follows:

(i) Gravitational potential energy — It is the energy possessed by a body due to the force of attraction of the earth.

Example — A stone at a height has gravitational potential energy.

(ii) Elastic potential energy — It is the energy possessed by a body due to the deformed state because of change in its shape and size.

Example — When a spring is compressed it has elastic potential energy.