In the metric system, potential energy is measured in what unit?

In the metric system, potential energy is measured in joules. The joule is the standard unit of energy in the International System of Units (SI) and is defined as the amount of energy transferred when a force of one newton is applied over a distance of one meter. This makes it a fitting unit for measuring potential energy, which is the energy stored in an object due to its position or configuration, such as an object raised to a certain height in a gravitational field.

The other options represent different physical quantities: watts measure power, which is the rate of energy transfer, volts measure electric potential or voltage, and amperes measure electric current. These units, while related to energy and electricity, do not directly measure energy in the same way that joules do. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why joules is the correct unit for expressing potential energy.