Energy Adventures: Kinetic vs Potential

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of motion. It is the energy an object has because it is moving.

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or condition. For example, a rock at the edge of a cliff has potential energy.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

A moving car, a running dog, or a child swinging on a swing are all examples of kinetic energy.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

A book on a shelf, a drawn bow, or a rock at the top of a hill are all examples of potential energy.

Front

What happens to kinetic energy when an object speeds up?

Back

When an object speeds up, its kinetic energy increases.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object is lifted higher?

Back

When an object is lifted higher, its potential energy increases.

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

Kinetic and potential energy can transform into each other. For example, when a swing goes up, it has potential energy, and when it comes down, it has kinetic energy.

Front

What happens to the kinetic energy of a bicycle as it slows down?

Back

The kinetic energy of a bicycle decreases as it slows down.

Front

What happens to the potential energy of an object as it falls?

Back

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

Front

What type of energy does a parked car have?

Back

A parked car has potential energy because it is not moving.