potential energy

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.
Compare kinetic energy.
Origin
1850-55
Examples from the web for potential energy
  • As he tips forward, potential energy converts to kinetic energy, and he swings his left foot ahead to complete the stride.
  • At this point the team had fully charged batteries and maximum potential energy to descend slowly through the night.
  • There is little doubt that there is tremendous potential energy present prior to the actual earthquake event.
  • As the gases collect, they lose potential energy, which results in an increase in temperature.
  • Try a steep hill to experience the potential energy required for the climb.
  • Money is also a store of potential energy that can be released when needed, with the purchase of goods, energy and labour.
  • potential energy is stored energy--energy ready to go.
  • Define a computation that computes the per-atom potential energy for each atom in a group.
  • See the compute pe command if you want the potential energy of the entire system.
  • Most of the energy under our control is in the form of potential energy.
British Dictionary definitions for potential energy

potential energy

noun
1.
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 Ep, V, U, φ, PE
potential energy in Medicine

potential energy n.
The energy that exists in a body as a result of its position or condition rather than of its motion.

potential energy in Science
potential energy  
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. Compare kinetic energy.
potential energy in Culture

potential energy definition


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.