Potential energy is the energy an object possesses due to its position rather than its motion. Unlike [[Kinetic Energy|kinetic energy]], which is associated with movement, potential energy represents stored energy that can be converted into work. This concept plays a fundamental role in physics, engineering, and everyday life. ![[potential_energy.excalidraw.light.svg]] One of the most familiar examples is gravitational potential energy—the energy an object has due to its height above the ground. For instance, a ball held at the top of a hill has more potential energy than one at the bottom because gravity can pull it downward. In atomic and quantum physics, potential energy also plays a key role. The electric potential energy of charged particles determines how they interact in electric fields, influencing everything from atomic structures to the behavior of electrons in semiconductors. In [[Optical Lattice|optical lattices]], atoms experience a potential landscape created by laser-induced electric fields, which allows scientists to trap and manipulate them for quantum research. >[!read]- Further Reading >[!ref]- References