Definition:Potential Energy

Definition

Let $B$ be a body.

The potential energy of $B$ is the negative of the work done by a conservative force in bringing $B$ from a given point to some standard reference point.

The standard reference point is usually either the point at infinity or the surface of Earth.

Potential energy is a scalar quantity.

Examples

$1 \ \mathrm N$ raised $1 \ \mathrm m$

A body which requires $1$ newton to hold it against a gravitational force when moved against that force through a distance of $1$ metre has $1$ joule of potential energy transferred to it.

Also see

• Definition:Kinetic Energy

• Results about potential energy can be found here.

Historical Note

The concept of potential energy was first introduced by Joseph Louis Lagrange.

Sources

• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): conservative force
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): energy
• 1998: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (2nd ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): potential energy
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): conservative force
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): energy
• 2008: David Nelson: The Penguin Dictionary of Mathematics (4th ed.) ... (previous) ... (next): potential energy