potential energy

/pəˌtɛntʃəl ˌɛnərdʒi/

Other forms: potential energies

Potential energy is a type of energy an object has because of its position. A boulder on top of a hill has a lot of potential energy because it could roll down pretty fast at any moment.

Maybe your parents have said that you have "so much potential!" Well, objects have potential too — specifically potential energy, a concept from the science of physics. This is the opposite of kinetic energy — energy derived from something currently in motion. Something with potential energy is in a position to get moving and is just waiting for a push or shove to do its thing. Like a skier waiting at the top of a mountain.

Definitions of potential energy

1. noun

   the mechanical energy that a body has by virtue of its position; stored energy
   synonyms: P.E.

   types:

   elastic energy, elastic potential energy

   potential energy that is stored when a body is deformed (as in a coiled spring)

   type of:

   mechanical energy

   energy in a mechanical form