(A): Define potential energy .derive an …

The energy possessed by a body because of its position or configuration is known as potential energy.

The energy transferred to an object is stored as potential energy if it is not used to cause a change in the velocity or speed of the object. If we stretch a rubber band the energy transferred to the band is its potential energy. Work is also done while winding the key of a toy car. The energy transferred to the spring inside is stored as potential energy. The potential energy possessed by the object is the energy present in it by virtue of its position or configuration.

• Potential Energy of An Object At A Height:

Suppose a body of mass m is raised to a height h above the surface of the earth. The force acting on the body is the gravitational pull of the earth m x g which acts in the downward direction. To lift a body above the surface of the earth, we have to do work against this force of gravity.

Work done = Force x Distance

So, W = m x g x h

This work gets stored up in the body as potential energy.

Thus, potential energy = m x g x h

Where m is the mass of the body, g is acceleration due to gravity; h is the height of the body above the reference point.