Kinetic & Potential Energy

Mechanical Energy Mechanical energy is the energy possessed by an object due to its motion or its stored energy of position. Mechanical energy can be either kinetic (energy of motion) or potential (energy of position).

Definitions Energy of motion Stored energy Kinetic Energy Potential Energy Energy of motion Energy used when something is moving Stored energy Energy that is waiting to be used

Examples of Kinetic & Potential Energy Kinetic Energy Potential Energy Skating down a hill on a skateboard Throwing a baseball Jumping A glass falling off a desk A yo-yo falling towards the ground Waiting at the top of a hill on a skateboard Holding a baseball in the backswing Bending your knees before you jump A glass sitting on a desk Winding up a yo-yo but holding on to it

Real Life Situation I am trying to knock over this giant box in front of me. But when I try to push it, it doesn’t seem to work. What should I do?

Real Life Situation I am going sledding, but I can never seem to make up the second hill. How can I sled up the 2nd hill?

Real Life Situation I am trying to bump my friend’s car across the red line. But I can’t seem to get him to cross the line. What can I do to bump him across the line?

Toy Lab Objective: To describe or illustrate how a toy uses kinetic or potential energy With the toys provided: Draw an illustration or write in words when a toy has the most potential energy Draw an illustration or write in words when a toy has the most kinetic energy

Website Aids Springs Spool Racers Roller Coasters Skate Park Pendulum Park Quiz