Home Preparation for National Talent Search Examination (NTSE)/ Olympiad
Chapter : 3. Work and Energy
Potential Energy
Potential Energy Thus the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or change in shape is known as potential energy. It is obvious that a body may possess energy even when it is not in motion. Expression for Potential Energy : Suppose a body of mass m be lifted from the ground to a vertical height h, then the minimum force required to lift the body is equal to the force of gravity, i.e. F = mg This force of gravity acts on the body vertically downwards. Now, work done in lifting the body to a height h will be Work = force × distance = mgh This work done is stored as potential energy in the body such that Potential energy, U = mgh, i.e. gain in potential energy of the body and the earth.