Kinetic vs Potential Energy

Determine the type of energy that is used to work the following objects.

A dog barking ​ (a)  

A lightning strike in a storm​ (b)  

Temperature rises as you run​ (c)  

A microwave cooking your lunch​ (d)  

• Electric
• Radiant
• Thermal
• Sound
• Gravitational
• Elastic
• Chemical
• Magnetic

Which type of energy can move through space as a wave?

• Sound energy

• Radiant energy

• Thermal energy

• Electric energy

Which best describes what happens when a moving car comes to a stop?

• The car’s kinetic energy is increasing, and its potential energy is increasing.

• The car’s kinetic energy is decreasing, and its potential energy is increasing.

• The car’s kinetic energy is decreasing, and its potential energy is decreasing.

• The car’s kinetic energy is increasing, and its potential energy is decreasing.

A demonstration helps students understand a roller coaster design. Which answer choice correctly describes the ball’s kinetic and potential energy?

• The ball has more potential energy at position X than at position Z

• The ball has more kinetic energy at position Y than at Position W.

• The potential energy and kinetic energy of the ball are equal at position X.

• The potential energy and kinetic energy of the ball are greatest at position Z.

At which point labeled is there kinetic energy occurring? Justify your answer.