Potential
(adjective) Having or showing the capacity to become or develop into something in the future; (noun) the capacity for future development or stored energy.
In physics, 'potential energy' is stored energy that an object possesses due to its position or state (e.g., gravitational potential energy, elastic potential energy). It has the 'potential' to be converted into kinetic energy or work.
Word relationships
- latent: Existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden or concealed. 'Potential' is broader, encompassing both hidden and evident capacity.
- possible: Able to be done or achieved; 'potential' implies a capacity or inherent ability, not just a possibility.
- actual: Existing in fact; real. The opposite of something that is merely possible or has capacity.
- kinetic: Referring to energy of motion, as opposed to stored energy.
Commonly confused with
- Kinetic: Potential energy is stored energy; kinetic energy is energy of motion.
Word family
- potentiality (noun): the capacity to develop or become something
- potent (adjective): having great power, influence, or effect
Collocations
- potential energy
- growth potential
- potential threat
- untapped potential
- electric potential
Idioms & expressions
- realize one's potential
- potential for disaster
Example sentences
- "A roller coaster at the top of a hill has maximum potential energy, which will be converted into kinetic energy as it descends." Defining a type of energy.
- "The young athlete showed great potential to become a world champion." In a general sense.
- "Voltage is a measure of electrical potential difference, indicating the potential energy per unit charge." In an electrical context.
Memory hook
Think of 'POTENTial' as having the 'POTENT' (powerful) ability to do something later. Stored capacity
When not to use
While 'potential' is widely used in general English to mean 'possible' or 'latent talent', in a physics context, it specifically refers to stored energy or a field that could exert a force. Be mindful of the context.
Fun facts
- Gravitational potential energy depends on an object's mass, the acceleration due to gravity, and its height (PE = mgh).
- The concept of potential energy is crucial in understanding conservative forces, where the work done is independent of the path taken.
Also appears in
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