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. Ep.  V.  U.  φ.  PE. 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

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

Hydrogen has been touted as a potential energy game-changer that could decarbonise industry and heavy transport.

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"This model allows us to program the shape we want to create, how stable it is, and how powerful it can be when stored potential energy is allowed to snap into kinetic energy," says Hong.

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Trapped in underground rocks, a potential energy resource has eluded generations of British politicians.

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“Kind of under the assumption of how do we maximize potential energy creation while minimizing room for error.”

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Skidmore, Owings & Merrill has developed a series of prototype designs that use electric motors to elevate massive blocks, creating potential energy that can be converted into electricity when the blocks are lowered.

Read more on Seattle Times