Potential Energy (Topic: Energy and Its Conversions)

What is potential energy?

• Energy can be stored and stored energy is known as potential energy. 
• Stored energy is dependent on the position and condition of the object.

What are the different types of Potential Energy?

• Gravitational Potential Energy (A.K.A GPE)

1. Any object that is above the ground, hanging from something or on top of a slope has Gravitational Potential Energy.
2. The amount of Gravitational Potential Energy an object has depends on its mass and its height from the ground.

• Chemical Potential Energy (A.K.A CPE)

1. Chemical Energy is stored in any kind of food, fuel or battery.

• Elastic Potential Energy (A.K.A. EPE)

1. Elastic Potential Energy is the energy an object has when it is stretched or compressed.
2. Once released, the elastic potential energy converts into kinetic energy and the object returns to its original shape.