Meaning & use
potential energy
Stored energy that an object has because of its position, height, or condition, ready to be released.
See it in a sentence
A ball held above the ground has potential energy due to gravity.
Stretching the rubber band increases its potential energy before it is released.
A note on using this word
Potential energy converts into kinetic energy once an object begins to move, as in a falling weight or a released spring.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Words with an opposite meaning
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “potential energy”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.