What is Potential Energy? Does the potential energy depend on the path followed?

Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object or system because of its position or configuration. It cannot be transferred.

It depends only on their initial and final configurations. Hence, it is independent of the path the particles travel or follow.

The SI Unit of potential energy is Joule (J).

The formula of Potential Energy is, P.E. = mgh

where, m = mass, g = acceleration due to gravity, and h = height

For example- A book on a table before it falls, A child at the top of a slide.