Kinetic and Potential Energy Difference - A Complete Guide
Kinetic and Potential energy is the branch of physics that deals with energy in its two forms. Kinetic energy is the energy in motion since it can be observed from daily activities such as a moving vehicle or running water and potential energy is the energy stored in an object in perspective of its height or nature with examples such as a spring with tension without stretching or logs of trees held by a dam. In practical scenarios, these energies change from one form to the other continuously; for instance, in the case of a roller coaster that climbs a height (acquires potential energy) and then moves down the track (transforms the potential energy into kinetic energy).
What is Potential Energy?
Potential Energy is the energy stored in a system due to the relative positions of its constituents or due to some force acting upon it. An example is an object raised above the ground, storing gravitational potential energy.
Formula
The general formula for potential energy is:
U=mgh
Where:
U= Potential Energy (in Joules, J )
m= Mass of the object (in kilograms, kg )
g= Acceleration due to gravity (9.8 m/s2)
h= Height above a reference point (in meters, m )
Types of Potential Energy
1. Gravitational Potential Energy
Energy is due to an object's height above the ground.
Formula: U=mgh
2. Elastic Potential Energy
Energy is stored in stretched or compressed elastic materials (like a spring).
Formula:
U=12kx2
Where:
k= Spring constant (N/m)
x= Displacement from the equilibrium position (m)
3. Electric Potential Energy
Energy is possessed by charges in an electric field.
Formula: U=keq1q2r
Where:
ke= Coulomb's constant
q1,q2= Magnitudes of charges
r= Distance between the charges
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Definition of Kinetic Energy
Kinetic energy is defined as the energy that an object has because of its motion. It depends on two factors: the mass of the object and its velocity.
The kinetic energy (KE) of an object is given by the formula:
KE=12mv2
Where:
m= mass of the object (in kilograms, kg)
v= velocity of the object (in meters per second, m/s )
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Explanation:
The kinetic energy of an object increases with the square of its velocity, meaning that if the velocity doubles, the kinetic energy will increase by a factor of four.
The kinetic energy is directly proportional to the mass of the object. So, an object with more mass will have more kinetic energy if it is moving at the same speed.
Difference Between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy
| Kinetic Energy | Potential Energy |
| The energy possessed by an object as a result of its motion is known as KE. | PE is the energy that an object has as a result of its position. |
| It is possible for it to be transferred from one item to another through collisions. | On the other hand, potential energy cannot be transmitted from one item to another. |
| The measurement of Kinetic Energy takes place at the location where the object is at the time of measurement. For example, if a ball is flying upwards at 50 m/s and we wish to measure the Kinetic energy at a height of 3 metres above the ground, the measurement is made at that location rather than with reference to another place. | When measuring potential energy, the measurement is made by subtracting the current position from the reference position. The potential energy of a ball that is 10 metres above the ground and at rest is measured using the ground as a reference. |
| Kinetic energy is calculated using a formula that includes velocity and is measured as previously stated. | The formula for calculating potential energy is dependent on mass, gravity, and height. |
| Kinetic Energy is affected by the environment and is dependent on it. | The environment, on the other hand, has no effect on potential energy. |
| Kinetic Energy is in motion and is not stationary. | The position and condition of an object are the sole determinants of potential energy. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Walking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, dancing, or running are all good ways to get some exercise.
Dropping a thing or falling down etc.
When potential energy is released, it always converts to kinetic energy, and kinetic energy is required for an item to store energy as potential in some form.
A rock on the edge of a cliff, for example, does not require kinetic energy to store the potential energy that will propel it down the cliff face.
However, kinetic energy is required to get the rock to the edge.
As a result, the rock requires it in order to maintain its potential energy.
Kinetic energy is the energy stored as a result of mass motion.
Water has potential energy while it is at rest.
However, in a river, the potential energy contained in the water is turned into kinetic energy as the water flows constantly.
As a result, kinetic energy exists in the flowing water of a river.
Potential Energy is the energy stored in a system due to the relative positions of its constituents or due to some force acting upon it
The work that an object can accomplish as a result of its mobility is measured by its kinetic energy. It is a scalar quantity that can only be defined in terms of magnitude.