define potential energy. Derive an expression for the potential energy of a body of mass market at a height h above the surface of the earth
Answers
A body is said to have potential energy due to change in its Position , Shape , Size and configuration...
Whatever objects you see hanging in ur room possess potential energy due to some height from the surface of a earth...A ceiling fan in a room possess potential energy as someone work on it and changes its position from surface of the earth to the ceiling by losing its energy...This loss of energy stored in a fan in the form potential energy...
As we know that Work done ,
W = Force × Displacement
=> W = F × s = W ( weight ) × h ( height)
= w × h = ( mg ) × h = mgh
as weight of a body is the force acting towards the centr of the Earth so w = mg where g = acceleration due to gravity.
This work done convert into potential enrgy of a body.
Thus Potential energy , PE = m × g × h
Its SI unit is Joule as it is one of the form of energy...
Explanation:
Energy provided by virtue of its position is called as Potential Energy.
Now, Let us consider a body of mass m, raised h height from ground.
W = F.S
F = mg
W = mgh