887 B
887 B
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.