Potential energy equations explain how energy is stored in various systems, such as elastic potential energy in springs and gravitational potential energy on Earth. Chemical reactions and nuclear fission also involve potential energy. Work done on a system equals the potential energy lost.
Several equations used in science come from a potential energy equation. A general equation of potential energy means that the work done on a system equals the potential energy lost. Potential energy is any energy stored in a system that is lost when work is done. It comes in many common forms, such as gravitational potential energy lost when something falls towards the Earth. In any form, a potential energy equation will show where the energy to do the work comes from.
Springs store energy in the form of elastic potential energy which is released when the spring is allowed to relax. Stretching stores energy, and the potential energy for a spring is equal to the amount of work the spring can do when it relaxes. Many other objects store energy in the form of elastic potential energy, including rubber bands and guitar strings. Both are stretched harder to cause a faster vibration which equals more work due to the more elastic potential energy.
Gravity can store energy because all mass is slightly attracted to other mass. The potential energy equation for gravity comes in many forms. Earth’s gravity stores potential energy and works as objects are lifted up and allowed to be attracted towards the Earth. As the chariot climbs a hill, its energy is stored. When the cart goes over the hill, all of the stored potential energy is released, causing the cart to move faster or work. Other potential energy equations for gravity involve space orbits, galactic motion, and black holes.
Temperature change represents work, and a potential energy equation for chemicals usually measures a change in temperature. Chemicals store energy in the form of bonds. These bonds can break and change position to release potential energy and raise the temperature. Measuring this change shows how much potential energy a chemical reaction has. Gasoline combustion shows how a liquid stores potential energy and releases it to produce extreme heat.
Nuclear energy such as fission is an example of nuclear potential energy. Power equals the work done over a certain period of time, and nuclear energy can be calculated from a nuclear potential energy equation. This energy is stored in the very tight connections between the parts that make up the atoms. During nuclear fission, atoms absorb extra parts and become unstable. Once the atoms break down into more stable atoms, they release stored energy in the tight connections they break.
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