Kinetic and Potential Energy

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What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion.

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What is Potential Energy?

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Potential energy is stored energy based on an object's position or state.

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What is the Law of Conservation of Energy?

Back

The Law of Conservation of Energy states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed from one form to another.

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What happens to energy during a roller coaster ride?

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As the roller coaster climbs, potential energy increases; as it descends, potential energy converts to kinetic energy.

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What is an example of Kinetic Energy?

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A moving car, a flowing river, or a thrown ball.

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What is an example of Potential Energy?

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A book on a shelf, a drawn bow, or water stored in a dam.

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How can energy be transformed?

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Energy can be transformed from potential to kinetic energy, such as when a ball rolls down a hill.

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What is the relationship between Kinetic and Potential Energy?

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Kinetic and potential energy can convert into each other; for example, potential energy converts to kinetic energy when an object falls.

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What is Mechanical Energy?

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Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic and potential energy in an object.

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What is Thermal Energy?

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Thermal energy is the energy that comes from the temperature of matter, related to the motion of particles.