Question

compare and differentiate between potential energy and kinetic energy

Answer 1

Kinetic energy is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its movement. Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or state. While kinetic energy of an object is relative to the state of other objects in its environment, potential energy is completely independent of its environment. Hence the acceleration of an object is not evident in the movement of one object, where other objects in the same environment are also in motion. For example, a bullet whizzing past a person who is standing possesses kinetic energy, but the bullet has no kinetic energy with respect to a train moving alongside.
Interconversion of Kinetic and Potential Energy

The law of conservation of energy states that energy cannot be destroyed but can only be transformed from one form into another. Take a classic example of a simple pendulum. As the pendulum swings the suspended body moves higher and due to its position potential energy increases and reaches a maximum at the top. As the pendulum begins its downward swing, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy.

When a spring is stretched to one side, it exerts a force to the other side so it can come back to its original state. This force is called restoring force and acts to bring objects and systems to their low energy level position. The force required to stretch the spring is stored in the metal as potential energy. When the spring is released, the stored potential energy is converted into kinetic energy by the restoring force.

When any mass is lifted, the gravitational force of the earth (and the restoring force in this case) acts to bring it back down. The energy needed to lift up the mass is stored as potential energy due to its position. As the mass is dropped, stored potential energy is converted to kinetic energy.

Potential energy affects objects within its environment only when it is transformed into other forms of energy. A rock resting on top of a cliff is an example of a body with potential energy. When it falls, it contains kinetic energy. Energy stored in a body due to its elevation is called gravitational potential energy. Some bodies, such as waterfalls, contain both kinetic and potential energies. The height of a waterfall is the basis for its potential energy, while its water movement provides its kinetic energy.

The law of the conservation of energy states that energy does not multiply or disappear and cannot be destroyed. Unlike potential energy, kinetic energy can be transferred from one body to another when the two bodies collide. Energy is a physical quantity because it is proportionate to the mass of an object. The ability of a body to exert pushes and pulls against natural forces such as gravity identifies its type of energy.

Answer 2

Answer:

Difference Between Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy

• All forms of energy are basically categorized in to two classes known as kinetic energy and potential energy.

• Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses because of its state of motion, while potential energy is because of...

• Both KE and PE keep transforming into one another all the time.