2026-08-17 08:55:46: Potential Energy

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physics/Work Energy and Power/Potential Energy.md

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+[[Work Energy and Power]]
+megumi energy
+
+# SUMMARY
+* potential energy refers to multiple objects in a system affecting each other with conservative forces
+* In MY words, potential energy is j stored kinetic energy that something has due to its surroundings, and it cashes it out and converts the PE to KE.
+* Scalar
+* You choose where potential energy is 0 to make a job easier
+* Elastic potential energy of an ideal spring: $U_s=\frac{1}{2}k(\Delta x)^2$
+* Gravitational potential energy between 2 spherical masses: $U_g=-G\frac{m_1m_2}{r}$. Near surface approximation: $\Delta U_g=mg\Delta y$
+* For a system with more than 2 objects, potential energy is sum of energy of every pair.
+
+## Zero Potential Energy Definition
+* Can define zero PE as any convenient reference point
+* For gravitational PE, a common ref point is ground level.
+* Springs equilibrium is the natural zero PE point.