13 - Potential Energy in Physics

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to potential energy, gravitational potential energy, and spring potential energy as discussed in the lecture notes.

Potential Energy

Stored energy associated with an object’s position.

Gravitational Potential Energy

Energy stored due to the pull of gravity, depending on an object's height.

Spring Constant (k)

A measure of a spring's stiffness; a larger value means a stiffer spring.

Gravitational Potential Energy Formula

U_grav = mgy, where m is mass, g is gravity, and y is height.

Change in Potential Energy (ΔU)

U = mgymax, where U is potential energy and ymax is maximum height.

Energy Conservation

The total energy remains constant; kinetic energy lost is equal to potential energy gained.

Spring Potential Energy Formula

U_s = (1/2) kx^2, where U is potential energy, k is spring constant, and x is displacement.

Kinetic Energy Change (ΔK)

The difference in kinetic energy, calculated as K - K0.

Equilibrium Position

The position where the net force acting on the spring system is zero.

Negative Work by Gravity

The work done against the force of gravity as an object rises.