Potential energy
The potential energy of an object is the energy stored in an object or system. Denoted as Ep.
Generally speaking, potential energy refers to potential energy caused by gravity and is proportional to an object’s mass and height.
When an external force deforms spring, it has energy called ‘potential energy by elastic force.’
\[ \begin{align} Potential\;energy\;caused\;by\;gravity\;E_p &= 9.8 m h \\ Potential\;energy\;by\;elastic\;force\;E_p &= \frac{1}{2}kx^2 \end{align} \]
m: mass(kg)
h: Height(m)
k: spring constant(N/m)
x: deformation length of spring(m)
Kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy in a moving object or particle. Denoted as Ek.
Since the kinetic energy at rest is ‘0’, the kinetic energy becomes the energy required to accelerate an object of mass m to speed v.
\[ Kinetic\;energy\;E_k = \frac{1}{2}mv^2 \]
m: maxx(kg)
v: velocity(m/s)
Energy conversion
One energy can be converted to another form. If there are no losses due to friction, the energy can be converted to 100% other energy.
The lost energy escapes in the form of heat.