Potential energy

Potential energy is stored energy an object has. This stored energy can be gravitational, elastic, or electromagnetic. In classic physics, the formula for potential energy is
:E_p = m h F_g
In the case of a spring, potential energy is equal to
:E_p = \frac{1}{2} k x^2
where k is the stiffness constant and x is the distance the spring is stretched or compressed.
The SI unit for potential energy is the Joule (J).
Category:Mechanics