Potential and Kinetic Energy

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. It has the potential to do work when released.

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. It depends on the mass of the object and the speed at which it is moving.

Kinetic energy (KE) = 1/2 * mass (m) * velocity (v)^2.

Gravitational potential energy depends on the height of the object above the ground and its mass.

Gravitational potential energy (PE) = mass (m) * gravity (g) * height (h).

As a person climbs a ladder, kinetic energy is converted to potential energy as they gain height.

A rolling bowling ball is an example of an object with kinetic energy.

A rock poised at the edge of a cliff has potential energy due to its height.

As an object falls, its potential energy decreases while its kinetic energy increases.

In a pendulum, potential energy is highest at the highest point, while kinetic energy is highest at the lowest point.