Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body due to its position or configuration.
The potential energy possessed by a body due to its position above the ground is called gravitational potential energy.
Potential Energy (PE) = mass × acceleration due to gravity × height
PE = m g h
The SI unit of potential energy is joule (J).
When a body falls freely from a height, its potential energy gets converted into kinetic energy.
Q1. Potential energy of a body depends on: A) Speed B) Shape C) Position D) Temperature Answer: C Q2. Formula for gravitational potential energy is: A) m v B) (1/2) m v² C) m g h D) F × s Answer: C Q3. SI unit of potential energy is: A) Newton B) Joule C) Watt D) Pascal Answer: B Q4. A body of mass 2 kg is raised to a height of 5 m. Find its potential energy (g = 10 m/s²). A) 50 J B) 100 J C) 20 J D) 10 J Answer: B Q5. Potential energy becomes zero when: A) Mass is zero B) Height is zero C) Velocity is zero D) Force is zero Answer: B Q6. Water stored in a dam possesses: A) Kinetic energy B) Chemical energy C) Potential energy D) Heat energy Answer: C Q7. When a body falls freely, its potential energy is converted into: A) Heat energy B) Sound energy C) Kinetic energy D) Electrical energy Answer: C Q8. Potential energy is maximum when: A) Height is maximum B) Velocity is maximum C) Mass is maximum D) Force is maximum Answer: A
Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body due to its position or configuration.
PE = m g h
Joule (J)
Potential energy converts into kinetic energy during free fall.
Numericals are commonly asked using PE = mgh. Use g = 10 m/s² unless stated otherwise.
