5 Forms of Potential Energy By Pearl Durakovic, Max Miller, and Alyssa Diaz
GRAVITATIONAL POTENTIAL ENERGY
Gravitational energy is energy associated with the height and weight of an object. When the height of an object is changed the gravitational potential energy is also changed.
Gravitational potential energy can be changed into kinetic energy when the object moves. For example, if a ball were dropped the closer the ball gets to the ground the greater the kinetic energy. This is why the velocity of a falling object increases.
A roller coaster is also a good example of gravitational potential energy turning into kinetic energy. When the cart reaches the top of the hill the potential energy is the highest, but when the cart goes down the hill the potential energy turns into kinetic energy.
Magnetic Potential Energy
Magnetic potential energy is energy that depends on the position of multiple magnetic objects. Opposite poles attract and similar poles repel. When two poles get closer they increase their magnetic potential energy.
Electrical Potential Energy
Electrical potential energy depends on position of electrically charged objects and the amount of charge the objects have. The distance between objects that attract or repel can affect the amount of potential energy the objects have. The closer the objects are the greater the electrical potential energy.
Chemical Potential Energy
Chemical potential energy is stored energy that depends on the arrangement of atoms inside of a substance. When these atoms undergo a reaction thermal energy is usually released.
Elastic Potential Energy
Elastic potential energy depends on the stretching and compressing of an elastic material. The amount of elastic potential energy increases when the object is stretched or compressed. The elastic potential energy is equal to the amount of work done to the elastic objects.
Bibliography
N/A, N/A N/A. "Potential Energy Changing to Kinetic Energy." Potential Energy Changing to Kinetic Energy. N/A, n/a. Web. 31 Mar. 2016.
"Rollercoaster Track Clipart." Worldartsme. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://worldartsme.com/roller-coaster-track-clipart.html#gal_post_77470_roller-coaster-track-clipart-1.jpg>.
"Sign up for Our Monthly Newsletter!" K&J Magnetics Blog. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2016. <https://www.kjmagnetics.com/blog.asp?p=magnet-basics>.
A Negative Charge Moving towards a Positive Charge. Digital image.Stackexchange. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/155186/how-can-a-negative-charge-move-towards-a-position-of-a-higher-electric-potential>.
"Purpose." Predesign, Topic 3, Knowledge/Skills Activity 6a. Web. 01 Apr. 2016.