What is mechanical potential energy measured in?

Mechanical potential energy is defined as the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration. The standard unit of measurement for energy, including mechanical potential energy, is the joule. One joule is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one newton moves an object one meter.

Foot-pounds is also a unit of energy, primarily used in the United States, particularly in engineering and construction. It can express energy similar to joules but is not as universally recognized in scientific contexts as joules. Therefore, while foot-pounds can convey energy amounts, the standard and most accepted unit worldwide is the joule.

Newtons measure force, not energy, and watts measure power, which is the rate of energy transfer. These units do not apply to the measurement of mechanical potential energy directly. Thus, joules remain the definitive unit for measuring mechanical potential energy, with foot-pounds serving as a less common alternative.