Potential energy is often the result of work done on an object. When work is done on an object, energy is transferred to it, and this energy can be stored within the object as potential energy. The amount of potential energy stored depends on the amount of work done and the characteristics of the object or system.
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Potential energy is intimately related to the concept of work. Work (W) is done when a force is applied to an object, causing it to move over a distance. When a force acts against gravity, for instance, lifting an object against Earth’s gravitational pull, work is done, and the potential energy of the object increases. The work done (W) is equal to the change in potential energy (ΔPE). This relationship is expressed by the formula W = ΔPE. Thus, potential energy is a measure of the capacity to do work, and work done can lead to a change in an object’s potential energy.
Potential energy and work are intimately connected. Work is done when a force causes displacement in the direction of the force. Potential energy arises from the work done against a force, such as gravity or spring force, to change an object’s position or configuration. Essentially, potential energy represents the stored work that can be converted back into kinetic energy when the object moves.