Calculate the stored energy of an object based on its position or state.
Last updated: March 2026 | By ForgeCalc Engineering
Potential energy is the energy held by an object because of its position relative to other objects, stresses within itself, its electric charge, or other factors. It is "stored" energy that has the potential to be converted into other forms, such as kinetic energy.
The two most common types are Gravitational Potential Energy (energy due to height in a gravity field) and Elastic Potential Energy (energy stored in a deformed elastic object like a spring). In the SI system, potential energy is measured in Joules (J).
Yes, gravitational potential energy can be negative depending on the chosen reference point (the 'zero' height). It simply means the object is below the reference level.
It states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. For example, a falling ball converts its potential energy into kinetic energy.
Gravity depends on the planet's mass and radius. On the Moon, g is ~1.62 m/s², so an object there has much less potential energy at the same height.
One Joule is the work done by a force of one Newton acting through a distance of one meter. 1 J = 1 kg·m²/s².
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