Potential energy is energy in storage. When potential energy is released it becomes kinetic energy.
- Potential energy can be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy, which is the energy of motion.
- Potential energy is not currently being used, but it has the potential to do work in the future.
- Potential energy comes in different forms such as:
- Chemical potential energy is the energy stored in the bonds between atoms and molecules in a substance, such as the energy stored in food.
- Elastic potential energy is the energy stored in an object when it is compressed or stretched, such as a spring.
- Electric potential energy is the energy stored in an electric field due to the position of charged particles, such as the energy stored in a battery.
- Gravitational potential energy is the energy an object has due to its position in a gravitational field, such as a ball held up in the air.