answersLogoWhite

0

It might, depending on how you define it. Especially in the case of gravitational potential energy, the "zero level" or "base level" is arbitrary; you might define the base level as ground level, for instance. In that case, any object above ground level has a positive potential energy, and any object below ground level has a negative potential energy. Ultimately, what matters is not how much potential energy an object "really has" - it is really hard to define or ascertain this - rather, what matters is how much the energy CHANGES from one position to another. The case is similar with voltages, which are related to potential energy in an electric field.

User Avatar

Wiki User

10y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can binding energy be negative?

No, binding energy cannot be negative. Binding energy is always a positive quantity that represents the energy required to hold a system together. If the binding energy were negative, it would imply that the system is in an unstable state.


Does energy flow through the negative or positive of a battery?

Energy flows from the negative terminal to the positive terminal of a battery.


Is the lattice energy of a compound positive or negative?

The lattice energy of a compound is always negative.


Is potential energy in k-shell is negative then why?

bcoz the energy of bound system is always negative


Can you have negative kinetic energy in a physical system?

No, kinetic energy cannot be negative in a physical system.


Does energy flow positive to negative or negative to positive with magnets?

positive to a negative


Why is electronic energy negative?

The charge on an electron is negative (by International Convention) - so electron energy is too


When negative work is being done what happens to potential energy?

Negative work increases potential energy.


What is negative energy in physics?

In physics, negative energy refers to a concept where the energy of a system is less than the energy of the system in its natural state or at a reference point. Negative energy can arise in certain theoretical situations, such as in quantum mechanics or general relativity, and it is often used to describe peculiar phenomena like the Casimir effect or exotic matter.


Can the change in kinetic energy be negative?

Yes, the change in kinetic energy can be negative if the object's speed decreases, resulting in a decrease in kinetic energy.


Is the lattice energy always negative?

No, the lattice energy can be positive, negative, or zero, depending on the specific compounds involved.


How can potential energy be negative in a physical system?

In a physical system, potential energy can be negative when the reference point for measuring energy is set at a higher level than the actual energy of the system. This can happen when the system has less energy than the reference point, resulting in a negative potential energy value.