Physics
Define the term potential energy of a body. Name its two forms and give one example of each.
Answer
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.
Related Questions
Name the form of energy which a body may possess even when it is not in motion. Give an example to support your answer.
Write an expression for the potential energy of a body of mass m placed at a height h above the earth’s surface. State the assumptions made, if any.
What do you understand by the kinetic energy of a body?
State the work–energy theorem.