By: Annette Miles

*Potential and

Kinetic energy

Potential energy can be described as

energy that is stored due to an

object’s position or condition.

For example, a lawn mower has energy

stored because it is filled with gasoline but

is not yet running. This energy stored is due

to the mower’s condition.

A bolder at the top of a hill has stored

energy.

If released or pushed, the bolder will

tumble down the hill because of

gravity, this is potential energy due to

it’s position. The higher the position,

the more potential energy.

Kinetic energy can be described

as energy of motion.

For example, a lawn mower

running and cutting grass is

kinetic energy because the

mower is moving.

The bike at the top of the hill has potential

energy, stored energy based on its position.

As it goes down the hill, the bike is now

moving and kinetic energy is being displayed.

Some objects have more kinetic energy than

others. A rolling bowling ball has more kinetic

energy than a rolling foam ball. Why?

A bowling ball has

more mass.

Objects can also have more kinetic

energy if they have more velocity.

Velocity is how fast an object is moving

in a certain direction.

A person running at 8 mph has

more kinetic energy than the

same person running 5 mph.

8 mph

5 mph

Is a sled going down a hill an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Kinetic!

Is a new car battery an example

of potential or kinetic energy?

Potential!

Kinetic!

Is a hammer hitting a nail an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Is a dam holding back water an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Potential!

Kinetic!

Is a dam releasing water an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Is a mouse trap set with cheese

an example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Potential!

Is a mouse trap that is snapping

shut an example of potential or

kinetic energy?

Kinetic!

Is a soccer ball hitting the net an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Kinetic!

Is a soccer ball lying on the

ground an example of potential or

kinetic energy?

Potential!

Is a baseball bat ready to hit an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Potential!

Is a baseball bat hitting a ball an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Kinetic!

Are ski divers an example of

potential or kinetic energy?

Kinetic!

Is an arrow flying through the air

and hitting a target an example of

potential or kinetic energy?

Kinetic!

Is a bow pulled and ready to

shoot an arrow an example of

potential or kinetic energy?

Potential!

Is a skier at the top of a hill an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Potential!

Is a skier coming down a hill an

example of potential or kinetic

energy?

Kinetic!

Is a roller coaster flying down the

track an example of potential or

kinetic energy?

Kinetic!

http://www.petervaldivia.com/technology/energy/index.php

http://www.sciencelearn.org.nz/Science-Stories/Harnessing-the-Sun/Sci-

Media/Images/Potential-and-kinetic-energy

RESOURCES