1. What is Potential Energy?

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position, configuration, or state. In mechanical systems, it represents energy that can be converted into kinetic energy.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the conservation of energy principle:

Where:

• \( PE \) — Potential Energy (joules)
• \( E_{total} \) — Total Mechanical Energy (joules)
• \( KE \) — Kinetic Energy (joules)

Explanation: This formula follows the principle of conservation of mechanical energy, where total energy remains constant in a closed system.

3. Importance of Potential Energy Calculation

Details: Calculating potential energy is essential for understanding energy transformations in physical systems, analyzing mechanical systems, and solving problems in physics and engineering.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter total mechanical energy and kinetic energy in joules. Both values must be non-negative numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What types of potential energy exist?
A: Common types include gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy (springs), and electrical potential energy.

Q2: Can potential energy be negative?
A: Yes, depending on the reference point. Gravitational potential energy can be negative if the object is below the reference level.

Q3: What's the relationship between PE and KE?
A: In conservative systems, potential energy and kinetic energy can convert into each other while the total mechanical energy remains constant.

Q4: When is this calculation most useful?
A: This calculation is particularly useful in mechanics problems involving energy conservation, such as pendulum motion, free fall, and spring systems.

Q5: What are typical units for energy?
A: The SI unit for energy is the joule (J). Other common units include calories, electronvolts, and British thermal units (BTUs).