Derivative of Potential Energy: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Potential energy is the energy that an object holds in the starting relative to other objects, its electric charge, and consider other significant factors. The name of potential energy was first discovered by physicist William Rankine in the 19th century. There are several types of potential energy each of which is associated with the relative objects and their factors.

Potential energy is categorised into two types mentioned below:

1. Gravitational Potential Energy - When an object is raised to a certain height above the ground, the energy possessed can be defined as gravitational potential energy. The formula used to calculate the gravitational potential energy is the same:
1. Work = force x displacement
2. = mg x h
2. Elastic Potential Energy - The second type of energy is elastic potential energy. The elastic potential energy can be stretched or compressed in either way. The object needs to be elasticated for elastic potential energy to work. Some examples of elastic potential energy are as below:
1. Rubber band
2. Stretch bow of an archer
3. Spring of a clock
4. Diver board, etc.

Step by step derivation of Potential energy can be seen below.

The force between the two objects determines the potential energy of the object. as per gravitational force, the formula can be formed as:

W = m x g x h

• W is potential energy,
• m is the mass in kilograms
• g is the acceleration of the object due to gravity
• h is the height of the object in meters.

The kinetic energy and potential energy both have the same unit, which is:

Kg m² / s²

It is measured using the unit Joule. All energy has the same units.

Types of Potential Energy for Class 11

The chapter Energy holds a weightage of 6 marks in total as per the guideline of CBSE. It contains one very short question (2 marks), one objective type question (1 mark), and one short question (2 marks).

Example 1) State the types of potential energy.

Answer – The potential energy is divided into two types which are as follows:

• Gravitational Potential energy
• Elastic Potential Energy

Example 2) Explain the meaning of Potential Energy in detail.

Answer - Potential energy is the energy that an object holds in the starting relative to other objects, its electric charge, and consider other significant factors.

Example 3) Illustrate the diagrammatic presentation of Gravitational Elastic potential energy.

Answer – The diagrammatic representation of gravitational potential energy is as follows:

[Image Courtesy: NCERT]

Q: What is the unit of potential energy?

Q: What is the mathematical formula of Potential Energy?

Q: What are the two examples of Gravitational Potential energy in everyday life?

Q: Explain Elastic Potential Energy.

Q: What are the forms of Potential Energy?