Forms and Properties of Potential Energy

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering basic principles of potential energy, elastic energy, system classifications, force fields, and gravitational potential energy.

Potential energy

The energy due to interactions between objects or particles when distance changes, the amount of which depends on the positions of the objects or particles.

Elastic potential energy

The energy stored in objects that are compressed or stretched, such as springs and rubber bands.

Resting (or static) shape

The original shape that a spring always tries to return to after being stretched or compressed.

Closed system

A system where the analytical focus is placed solely on specific components (such as a rubber band and nickel) without involving the surrounding environment.

Open system

A system in which the environment surrounding the objects is involved.

Potential energy due to force fields

Types of potential energy—including gravitational potential energy, electric potential energy, and magnetic potential energy—that arise from invisible fields surrounding objects.

Gravitational potential energy and mass relationship

A proportional relationship in which the gravitational potential energy of an object decreases as its mass decreases (or increases as its mass increases) at the same height.