Fill in the Blanks Potential EnergyOnline version Potential Energy by Ayuni Amat 1 Potential energy is energy available to do . Gravitational potential energy is stored energy due to or of mass while elastic potential energy is stored energy due to or stretching or compressing . Work done can be found by using the equation = x in the direction of the force . We know that Force due to gravity , or weight , is = x . We also know that work done is equal to force x distance . Therefore , we can derive the equation for potential energy changes near the Earth's surface : Work done = Force x distance , becomes : Change in ( ? EP ) = ( m ) x ( g ) x change in ( h ) .