Potential and Kinetic Energy

ENERGY IN GENERAL Energy: the ability to do work It can be found in many forms. Energy can be converted from one form to another. Although energy can be changed, it cannot be created nor destroyed.

Potential Energy Stored energy Example: If you stretch a rubberband, you will give it potential energy. As the rubberband is released, potential energy is changed to kinetic energy. Example: When a roller coaster is at the top of a hill, it has a high amount of potential energy. As the coaster moves down the hill, the potential energy is changed to kinetic energy.

Kinetic Energy Energy of motion Example: When you are walking or running your body is exhibiting kinetic energy. Example: A yo-yo falling is an example of kinetic energy.

Energy Changing Forms Some stoves transform chemical energy (gas, wood, coal ) into heat energy. Wind mills use the kinetic energy from air molecules to transform it into electrical energy. Hydroelectric plants transform kinetic energy of falling water into electrical energy.

Your Turn!!!! Suppose there is an apple hanging from a tree and it is fixing to fall to the ground. Is there potential energy present? Is there kinetic energy present? Where is the potential energy the greatest? Where is the kinetic energy the greatest?

Suppose a child was at the top of a playground slide waving at his Mom and he was fixing to slide down. Is there potential energy present? Is there kinetic energy present? Where is the potential energy the greatest? Where is the kinetic energy the greatest?

What factors determine the amount of potential and kinetic energy?

Energy and Work Work: result of a force acting on a body and producing motion Ex: If you push a desk across the floor, you are doing work on the desk because you are exerting a force that causes motion.

Where are potential and kinetic energy found in our environment?