Mechanical Energy
Mechanical energy is energy that results from movement or the location of an object. Mechanical energy is further classified into: potential energy and kinetic energy.
Potential Energy
Potential energy is a stored energy. It is the energy one possesses when one is not moving. That is, it is the energy stored in stationary objects. Potential energy is the energy an object possesses by virtue of its position or level. A book sitting on a table has potential energy.
For instance, when a child swinging on a swing reaches the top of the arc, she has maximum potential energy. When she is closest to the ground, her potential energy is at its minimum (0). Another example is throwing a ball into the air. At the highest point, the potential energy is greatest. As the ball rises or falls it has a combination of potential and kinetic energy.
Potential energy of an object at a height
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