Potential energy is based on what?

Potential energy is based on what?

• A. Mass and velocity only
• B. Cadence only
• C. Step width only
• D. Position/height of the COM

Answer: (D)

Potential energy comes from position in a gravitational field. In biomechanics, gravitational potential energy is described by PE = m g h, where h is the vertical height of the body's center of mass. So the higher the COM, the more potential energy the body has; lowering the COM reduces it. Mass affects how large the energy is, but the key factor that determines potential energy in this context is the vertical position (height) of the center of mass. Cadence, step width, or velocity relate to movement dynamics and kinetic energy rather than the gravitational potential energy stored by height.

Potential energy comes from position in a gravitational field. In biomechanics, gravitational potential energy is described by PE = m g h, where h is the vertical height of the body's center of mass. So the higher the COM, the more potential energy the body has; lowering the COM reduces it. Mass affects how large the energy is, but the key factor that determines potential energy in this context is the vertical position (height) of the center of mass. Cadence, step width, or velocity relate to movement dynamics and kinetic energy rather than the gravitational potential energy stored by height.