Potential Energy Definition
Remember that Energy is the ability to do work. So imagine the work we're interested in is smashing an old car. We're going to drop something on it. What will apply the most force over the largest distance (to crush the car?) Massive objects and objects that fall from great heights. We say such objects store potential energy. It's "potential" energy because when the object is just sitting up high, the energy isn't being released. No work is being done. But once you let the object fall, it gains a new type of energy that could do some work. We'll learn about this type later. Note that potential energy is a great way to store energy. Just put something heavy up high and as long as its safely up there, it's storing your energy.
Potential Energy Definition
Remember that Energy is the ability to do work. So imagine the work we're interested in is smashing an old car. We're going to drop something on it. What will apply the most force over the largest distance (to crush the car?) Massive objects and objects that fall from great heights. We say such objects store potential energy. It's "potential" energy because when the object is just sitting up high, the energy isn't being released. No work is being done. But once you let the object fall, it gains a new type of energy that could do some work. We'll learn about this type later. Note that potential energy is a great way to store energy. Just put something heavy up high and as long as its safely up there, it's storing your energy.