Energy Lessons

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Potential and Kinetic Energy

Potential energy is stored energy that can do work if it is made to. Potential means having the possibility, capability, or power to do something. An object can store energy as the result of its position.

 

Kinetic energy is energy that is in motion. The motion of waves, electrons, atoms, molecules and substances. Kinetic energy can do work on anything it hits.

 

Stretching a rubber band stores potential energy in the rubber band. When it is released, the energy changes into kinetic energy and moves.

 

Position of an object can determine its potential energy. For example if you lift an object up, you put energy into the gravitational field. This energy is not immediately apparent, it is stored energy. The higher you lift the object, the more the energy is stored in the gravitational field. Therefore, potential energy is not only called stored energy, it is also called energy dependent upon position.

 

Think about it!

Look below at the different types of energies. Can you think of other examples of energy that change forms from potential energy to kinetic energy?

 

Potential Energy

Kinetic Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Chemical Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Gravitational energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Gravitational Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Mechanical Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Mechanical Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Gravitational Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

kinetic potential energy kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Nuclear Energy

kinetic potential energy
kinetic potential energy

 

Nuclear Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Stored Mechanical Energy

kinetic potential energy

 

Motion Energy

 

 

Gravitational Energy, Nuclear Energy, Stored Mechanical Energy and Chemical Energy are all potential energies.

 

 

Electricity, Motion, Radiant Energy, Sound and Thermal Energy are all kinetic energies. The next page will talk about each one of the different energy forms.

 

 

Next Page: Forms of Energy

Pearson Leveled-Readers (School must use Pearson login to view)

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Energy: Grade 3

 

So Much Energy: Grade 3

 

Changing Forms of Energy: Grade 5

 

Energy: Grade 6

 

Pearson Successnet - Scott Foresmen Science (School must use Pearson login to view)

Chapter 11 - Physical Science

 

Energy Lessons

Resources