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potential energy
[ puh-ten-shuhl en-er-jee ]
noun
Physics.
- 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.
potential energy
noun
- 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 ·¡±è³Õ±«Ï† PE
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
- 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.
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˜yÐÄvlog History and Origins
Origin of potential energy1
First recorded in 1850–55
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How does potential energy compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
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