===== Potential Energy =====

**Potential energy** (PE) is energy stored in a physical system; this energy can be released or converted into other forms of energy.
  * **Elastic** - Elastic PE is the potential energy of an elastic object that is deformed under tension or compression. \\ //Applied Concept//: An example of Elastic PE is a pulled archery bow or loaded catapult.

  * **Electrical** - Electrical PE is the potential energy of a stored electrical charge.\\  //Applied Concept//: Most forms of Electrical PE occur at the atomic level.

  * **Thermal** - Thermal PE is the potential energy of a system to release heat.\\  //Applied Concept//: Most forms of Thermal PE are generated by movement at the atomic level.

  * **Gravitational** - Gravitational PE is the energy stored in an object as the result of its vertical position. The higher the vertical position of an object, the greater the Gravitational PE.\\  //Applied Concept//: An example of Gravitational PE is someone preparing to drop a ball.

  * **Chemical** - Chemical PE is the potential energy of a chemical that could be transformed into another form of energy by a chemical reaction.\\  //Applied Concept//: An example of releasing Chemical PE is burning fuel to generate heat.