1. Potential and Kinetic Energy Notes (1)Energy is the ability to do work. There are 2 kinds of energy: potential and kinetic. Energy = the ability to do work 2 kinds of energy 1. potential 2. kinetic

2. (2) Potential energy is stored energy or energy of position. It is energy that is not in use and it is available to do work. Potential energy can increase or decrease based on the position or structure of an object. For example the height of a ramp or the size of an object affects potential energy. Another example is a lump of coal which stores potential energy until it is burned. The chemical energy in fossil fuels is also considered potential energy until it is released. Potential energy = stored energy or energy of position Examples: Stored energy: coal, wood, food Energy of position: top of a slide, higher in the air, steeper angle on a roller coaster.

3. (3) Kinetic energy is energy of motion. It is energy that is in use, or the energy a moving objects has due to its motion. For example, moving water and wind have kinetic energy. Kinetic energy = moving energy Examples: wind blowing a windmill, water falling through a dam, anything moving Potential kinetic

4. (4) One true constant of energy is change. Energy can change back and forth between potential and kinetic energy. Additionally, certain things can increase or decrease potential and kinetic energy. Things that change potential energy are the position of the object, its shape and its weight/mass. Things that affect kinetic energy are its speed and its weight/mass. Remember: Energy always changes. Things that change potential and kinetic energy are: position (height, angle) shape mass/weight speed