Potential and Kinetic Energy Examples

Front

What is Potential Energy?

Back

Potential Energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a rock at the top of a hill has potential energy because of its height.

Front

What is Kinetic Energy?

Back

Kinetic Energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a rolling ball has kinetic energy because it is moving.

Front

What happens to Potential Energy when an object falls?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of an object with Potential Energy.

Back

A drawn bowstring has potential energy because it is stretched and ready to release an arrow.

Front

Give an example of an object with Kinetic Energy.

Back

A car driving down the road has kinetic energy due to its motion.

Front

How does height affect Potential Energy?

Back

The higher an object is, the more potential energy it has. For example, a rock on a tall cliff has more potential energy than a rock on the ground.

Front

How does speed affect Kinetic Energy?

Back

The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has. For example, a fast-moving bicycle has more kinetic energy than a slow-moving one.

Front

What type of energy does a stretched rubber band have?

Back

A stretched rubber band has potential energy because it is in a position to snap back.

Front

What type of energy does a skateboarder have at the top of a ramp?

Back

A skateboarder at the top of a ramp has potential energy due to their height.

Front

What type of energy does a skateboarder have at the bottom of a ramp?

Back

A skateboarder at the bottom of a ramp has kinetic energy because they are moving.