potential energy

[ puh-ten-shuhl en-er-jee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the position of the body or the arrangement of the particles of the system.

potential energy

noun

1. the energy of a body or system as a result of its position in an electric, magnetic, or gravitational field. It is measured in joules (SI units), electronvolts, ergs, etc EpVUφ PE

potential energy

1. The energy possessed by a body as a result of its position or condition rather than its motion. A raised weight, coiled spring, or charged battery has potential energy.
2. Compare kinetic energy

potential energy

1. The energy an object has because of its position, rather than its motion. An object held in a person's hand has potential energy, which turns to kinetic energy — the energy of motion — when the person lets it go, and it drops to the ground.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potential energy¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

In fatigue the potential energy of the cell is gradually dissipated.

From Project Gutenberg

The latent potential energy of the psychoplasm is transformed into kinetic energy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is in this movement that the potential energy of the former is converted into the kinetic energy of the latter.

From Project Gutenberg

This then is what we shall call energy; the first term we shall call potential energy and the second kinetic energy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is necessary that U can be regarded as the potential energy of a system and T as the vis viva of the same system.

From Project Gutenberg