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
|
| 
Stored Chemical
Energy |
Motion Energy |
Stored Gravitational
energy |
Motion Energy |
Stored Gravitational
Energy |
Motion Energy |
Stored Mechanical
Energy |
Motion Energy |
Stored Mechanical
Energy |
Motion Energy
|
| 
Stored Gravitational
Energy |
Motion Energy |
|
|
Stored Mechanical
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.
| 
