Potential energy, Is energy a constant scalar value?

[Miyz]

Hello everyone,

Does everything in the universe have potential energy? I know there are two main form's of energy that are showen every day... Motion KE and potential energy and I believe all physical object's have PE and some are in KE even if they lose that motion they will return back to PE.
In a way everything in the universe has Potential Energy right?

Everything thing around us that's not in motion has potential energy... As soon as a force is applied to it that causes it to move it gains kinetic energy?
I look at energy as an ability given to all physical objects in the universe its more of a trait... I wonder is it constant? Does energy have a constant value? I believe not...Miyz,

 

[mfb]

The zero-point of potential energy is arbitrary, so you can assign any potential energy value to any object you like.

Everything thing around us that's not in motion has potential energy

And everything in motion, too.

As soon as a force is applied to it that causes it to move it gains kinetic energy?

In systems where it increases its speed.
Kinetic energy depends on your reference frame.

 

[Miyz]

The zero-point of potential energy is arbitrary, so you can assign any potential energy value to any object you like.


And everything in motion, too.


In systems where it increases its speed.
Kinetic energy depends on your reference frame.

Thanks! This makes a lot of good sense.

I think there is no limit or constant number for potential energy we just know as a fact everything has energy in a certain form.

 

[Miyz]

Would anyone else like to share more about this topic?

 

[PJC01]

thank you for your question. I can explain that potential energy is a form of energy that an object possesses due to its position or state. It is not a constant scalar value, as it can change depending on the object's position or state. For example, a book on a shelf has potential energy due to its position above the ground. If the book falls, its potential energy will decrease and be converted into kinetic energy.

You are correct that there are two main forms of energy – kinetic energy and potential energy. And yes, all physical objects have potential energy. Even objects in motion have potential energy, as it is the energy they possess due to their position in a gravitational field.

However, potential energy is not the only form of energy that an object can have. Kinetic energy, thermal energy, and other forms of energy also exist. And while energy is a fundamental property of the universe, it is not constant. Energy can be transferred and transformed from one form to another, but it cannot be created or destroyed.

In summary, potential energy is a type of energy that all physical objects possess, but it is not a constant scalar value. It can change depending on the object's position or state, and it is just one of many forms of energy that exist in the universe. I hope this helps clarify your understanding of potential energy.