potential energy
noun
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or nature or because of the arrangement of parts
Examples of potential energy in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet, a wristwatch is full of potential energy thanks to the constant motion of the wearer, no matter how subtle—even a simple hand gesture during conversation.
—
Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024
This is because the energy barrier abruptly goes from low potential energy at the base of the well to very high potential energy either side.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Jan. 2024
Because of warmer waters, wind intensity potential is greater due to physical processes that convert potential energy in the ocean to wind energy within the storm.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
And at least one species of mantis shrimp can also increase elastic potential energy storage in proportion to increases in body mass.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023
Those with heavier seeds also have larger endocarps that can store more elastic potential energy.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023
With turkeys, the waddle may act as a pendulum that recovers some of the potential energy (from the change in position of its center of mass) and uses that for kinetic energy to propel it forward.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
To local leaders, progress looked like clean, public power from rivers run through powerhouses that converted potential energy into electricity that could be sent 100 miles through copper wires into city apartments.
—Adam M. Sowards, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 May 2023
Cait Bazemore, Robb Report, 18 Mar. 2024
This is because the energy barrier abruptly goes from low potential energy at the base of the well to very high potential energy either side.
—IEEE Spectrum, 18 Jan. 2024
Because of warmer waters, wind intensity potential is greater due to physical processes that convert potential energy in the ocean to wind energy within the storm.
—Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 11 Feb. 2024
And at least one species of mantis shrimp can also increase elastic potential energy storage in proportion to increases in body mass.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023
Those with heavier seeds also have larger endocarps that can store more elastic potential energy.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 28 Aug. 2023
With turkeys, the waddle may act as a pendulum that recovers some of the potential energy (from the change in position of its center of mass) and uses that for kinetic energy to propel it forward.
—Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023
To local leaders, progress looked like clean, public power from rivers run through powerhouses that converted potential energy into electricity that could be sent 100 miles through copper wires into city apartments.
—Adam M. Sowards, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 May 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'potential energy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Potential energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potential%20energy. Accessed 25 Apr. 2024.
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