What is the expression used to calculate the potential energy of an object?

Question

What is the expression used to calculate the potential energy of an object?

Answer 1

gravitational potential energy = mgh

There are other kinds of potential energy, so make sure you know which one you are looking for.

Answer 2

This depends on what is causing the potential energy.

If it is gravity, U = MGH

If it is electric potential, U = ∑KeQ/r for each charge.

there are others also.

Answer 3

Potential energy is a relative quantity and is present in many forms. As such, potential energy can only be expressed as relative to another thing.

I'll give the generic formula for potential energy:

Change in Potential Energy=Work done on an object

(From this formula, you can see you can never find an absolute value for potential energy)

Work done on an object=Integral from the distance of the reference point to the distance of the object of a conservative force as a function of distance

or

Work done on an object=A constant force * the distance parallel to the force over which the constant force is applied

Gravity: ∆PE=mg∆h

Spring: ∆PE=1/2k*(∆x)^2

Capacitor: ∆PE=Q^2/2C=C*V^2/2=1/2Q*V

Inductor: ∆PE=1/2L*I^2

Answer 4

Force times distance.

Use SI units or units that are all compatible.  Remember that distance has to be in the plane of the force... so if you're talking about gravity being the force then you have to go against the force of gravity for some distance.  If you pick up an object for a distance 'x' that is on an angle to the force of gravity vector then you have to calculate what the distance is up to the height that you raised it.

This is just once FORM of potential energy.  Remember that for a spring, F=-kx where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement.  The theory still applies in these circumstances, you just have to think about it a little more.

Answer 5

Ep = mg∆h

Answer 6

weight times height

.

Answer 7

E=height * mass * gravity

or

E=height*weight

Answer 8

PE = mgh