College Board-Aligned Original Notes

AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based Unit 3 Topic 3: Potential energy

Potential energy is stored energy associated with object positions within a system.

Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power. College Board exam weighting listed for this unit: 18%-23% of multiple-choice exam score.

What to Know

Gravitational potential energy near Earth depends on mass, gravitational field strength, and height change.
Spring potential energy depends on the square of stretch or compression.
Only changes in potential energy matter unless a zero level is specified.
Always connect this topic back to the larger unit: Work, Energy, and Power.

Detailed Notes

Potential energy belongs to Unit 3: Work, Energy, and Power. Potential energy is stored energy associated with object positions within a system. Start by naming the system, choosing axes or a sign convention when needed, and identifying which physical quantity is changing.

Key relationships: Gravitational potential energy near Earth depends on mass, gravitational field strength, and height change. Spring potential energy depends on the square of stretch or compression. Only changes in potential energy matter unless a zero level is specified.

Model to use: Define the system and choose a zero level before comparing potential energy at different positions. A strong model should include labels, directions, units, and the reason each relationship applies.

AP-style move: Potential energy belongs to an interacting system, not to a lone object in isolation. For free-response work, write the principle first, show the setup, and then interpret the result in the physical context.

Key Vocabulary

Gravitational potential energy

Energy stored in an Earth-object system due to vertical position.

Spring potential energy

Energy stored in a stretched or compressed spring.

Zero reference level

The chosen position where potential energy is defined as zero.

Conservative force

A force whose work can be represented by a change in potential energy.

System energy

Energy associated with the selected group of interacting objects.

Quick Practice

How would you explain Potential energy in one or two AP-style sentences?

Name the concept, apply it to a specific example or source, and explain the reasoning that connects the evidence to your answer.

Official Alignment

Reference and Attribution

AP Physics 1 concept reference: AP Physics 1: Concise Summary Notes by IITian Academy. EduCompanion used this source as a topic checklist and conceptual reference, then rewrote the study notes in original wording.

AP Physics 1: Concise Summary Notes