What is the difference between future and potential?

Will vs Would
Will generally means that something will happen. Would can be used when something will (probably) happen based on a proposal. It is also used for hypotheticals.

• Tom will benefit from surgery (i.e. the surgery will happen). [vs] Tom would benefit from surgery (i.e. the surgery is a recommendation).
• If I didn't have to work (i.e. the hypothetical), I would watch YouTube all day.

You need to be aware that would can also be used for past tense.

• He says he will be away for a couple of days. [vs] He said he would be away for a couple of days.