What is the Difference Between Gravitational Potential Energy and Elastic Potential Energy?

The main difference between gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy lies in the sources of the potential energy and the objects they are associated with.

Gravitational Potential Energy:

This is the energy stored in an object that is held in a vertical position due to the force of gravity working to pull it down.
The amount of gravitational potential energy an object has depends on its height and mass.
Examples of objects with gravitational potential energy include a rock sitting on the edge of a cliff or a book placed on a table.

Elastic Potential Energy:

This is the energy stored in objects that can be stretched or compressed, such as trampolines, rubber bands, and bungee cords.
The more an object can stretch, the more elastic potential energy it has.
When a spring or rubber band is stretched, for example, it gains elastic potential energy.

In summary, gravitational potential energy is associated with objects held in a vertical position due to gravity, while elastic potential energy is associated with objects that can be stretched or compressed.

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What is the Difference Between Gravitational Potential Energy and Elastic Potential Energy?

Comparative Table: Gravitational Potential Energy vs Elastic Potential Energy

Here is a table comparing the differences between gravitational potential energy and elastic potential energy:

Gravitational Potential Energy	Elastic Potential Energy
It is always negative	It is always positive
Maximum at the surface of the object	Maximum when the mass is at the minimum height
Originates from gravitational forces acting on two large particles	Arises from the elastic property of a body when its shape is changed by squeezing, pushing, or pulling
The SI unit is J/kg (Joule per kilogram)	The SI unit is Joule (J)
Formula: $$U = mgh$$ (mass × height)	Formula: $$U = \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$ (where k is the spring constant and x is the displacement)

In summary, gravitational potential energy is associated with the height of an object above the ground and is negative, while elastic potential energy is associated with the deformation of an elastic material and is positive. The SI units for gravitational and elastic potential energy are J/kg and Joule (J), respectively.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.