Define potential energy and give its SI unit

Potential energy is the energy that an object has due to its position in a force field or that a system has due to the configuration of its parts. Common types include the gravitational potential energy of an object that depends on its mass and its height relative to some reference point; and the elastic potential energy of an extended spring.

The SI unit for energy, including potential energy, is the Joule (J). It is defined as the work done when a force of one newton displaces a body through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force applied.