Kinetic and potential energy
KINETIC ENERGY
Definition
Kinetic energy is the energy an object has because it is moving.
Main Details
It depends on movement
The faster an object moves, the more kinetic energy it has
If an object stops moving, its kinetic energy becomes zero
Examples
A rolling football
A running child
A flying airplane
Flowing water in a river
Interesting Points
Even tiny moving objects have kinetic energy
Wind has kinetic energy and can turn windmills
Moving electrons create electricity
Fun Fact
If you run faster, your kinetic energy increases—even without getting bigger 😄
🧲 POTENTIAL ENERGY
Definition
Potential energy is the energy stored in an object because of its position or shape.
Main Details
It does not need movement
It is stored energy
When the object moves, potential energy can change into kinetic energy
Examples
A book kept on a shelf
A stretched rubber band
Water stored in a dam
A pulled-back bow and arrow
Interesting Points
Higher position = more potential energy
Stretched or bent objects store energy
Potential energy can turn into kinetic energy easily
Fun Fact
A roller coaster at the top of a hill has maximum potential energy before the big drop 🎢
🔄 CONNECTION BETWEEN BOTH
Potential energy → Kinetic energy
Example:
A ball on a table (potential) → falls down (kinetic)