Define potential energy and give examples

Question 1

What is potential energy?

Answer 1

Stored energy

Question 2

Give examples of types of potential energy.

Answer 2

Gravitational, chemical, elastic and nuclear energies

Question 3

Why is Gravitational energy a type of potential energy?

Answer 3

Gravitational energy is called potential energy because it has the potential to gain kinetic energy because of its position relative to a large mass, like the earth.

Question 4

Why is chemical energy a type of potential energy?

Answer 4

Chemical energy is stored in the bonds that connect atoms with other atoms and molecules with other molecules. Chemical energy is stored so, it is a form of potential energy.

Question 5

Why is elastic energy a type of potential energy?

Answer 5

Elastic potential energy is energy stored as a result of applying a force to deform an elastic object because it is stored so it is a form of potential energy.

Question 6

Why is nuclear energy a type of potential energy?

Answer 6

This nuclear energy is potential energy stored inside the nucleus of an atom so because it is stored so it is a form of potential energy.