Kinetic vs Potential Energy

Front

What is potential energy?

Back

Potential energy is the energy stored in an object due to its position or state. For example, a charged battery has potential energy.

Front

What is kinetic energy?

Back

Kinetic energy is the energy of an object in motion. For example, a swimmer moving through water has kinetic energy.

Front

Give an example of potential energy.

Back

An example of potential energy is a slingshot that is pulled back, storing energy until it is released.

Front

Give an example of kinetic energy.

Back

An example of kinetic energy is a sledding down a snowy hill, where the sled is in motion.

Front

What happens to potential energy when an object falls?

Back

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

Front

What is the relationship between kinetic and potential energy?

Back

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

Front

What type of energy does a diver have while standing at the edge of a cliff?

Back

A diver standing at the edge of a cliff has potential energy due to their height above the ground.

Front

What type of energy does a moving car have?

Back

A moving car has kinetic energy because it is in motion.

Front

How can you increase the potential energy of an object?

Back

You can increase the potential energy of an object by raising it to a higher position, such as lifting a book to a shelf.

Front

What is gravitational potential energy?

Back

Gravitational potential energy is the potential energy an object has due to its height above the ground, influenced by gravity.