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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
On multiple occasions, the spacecraft flew through the plumes and found a smorgasbord of chemicals, including molecular hydrogen—a potential energy source for life—and carbon compounds that are precursors to amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.
—science.org, 19 Sep. 2024
Challenges ahead Hydrogen has long been billed as one of many potential energy sources that could play a significant role in the energy transition, but most of it is produced using fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas through a process that generates significant greenhouse gas emissions.
—Sam Meredith, CNBC, 12 Sep. 2024
Suppose the plane drops a distance of 1 meter—this would be a change in gravitational potential energy of m⋅g⋅h, where m is mass, g is the gravitational field (9.8 newtons per kilogram), and h is the height.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 26 July 2024
Europe has continued to surprise to the upside, the strategist said, despite recessionary concerns over mounting Russia-Ukraine tensions and a potential energy crisis.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 18 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for potential energy
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1853, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near potential energy
Cite this Entry
“Potential energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potential%20energy. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
potential energy
noun
: the amount of energy a thing (as a weight raised to a height or a coiled spring) has because of its position or because of the arrangement of its parts
Medical Definition
potential energy
noun
: the energy that a piece of matter has because of its position or because of the arrangement of parts
More from Merriam-Webster on potential energy
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about potential energy
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