Meaning
势能 is a physics term referring to the energy stored in an object due to its position, condition, or configuration. Most commonly, it describes gravitational potential energy (the energy an object has because of its height) or elastic potential energy (stored in compressed or stretched materials).
Usage
This is a technical term used primarily in physics, science education, and engineering contexts. Native speakers encounter it in middle school and high school physics classes. It contrasts with 动能 (kinetic energy) and together they form the concept of mechanical energy (机械能).
Examples
- 01物体被举得越高，重力势能就越大。, .The higher an object is lifted, the greater its gravitational potential energy.
- 02弹簧被压缩时储存了弹性势能。.When a spring is compressed, it stores elastic potential energy.
Characters
Common collocations
- 重力势能gravitational potential energy
- 弹性势能elastic potential energy
- 势能转化potential energy conversion
- 势能增加potential energy increases
Origin
势 originally meant 'power' or 'force,' while 能 means 'energy' or 'capability.' The compound 势能 is a modern scientific term created to translate 'potential energy' from Western physics, emphasizing the 'positional power' aspect of stored energy.