Science Experiments | Potential and Kinetic Energy - Introduction

Introduction

EnergyThe ability to cause an action or to perform work. is involved in nearly everything we do. It is defined as the ability to do work, to set an object in motion. There are several different kinds of energy. Kinetic energyThe energy of an object or system due to its motion. is the energy an object has when it is in motion. Vibration, forward motion, turning, and spinning are all examples of kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is directly proportional to the massMeasure of the total amount of matter in an object. of an object. If two objects move at the same speed, and one has twice the mass of the other, the object with twice the mass will have twice the kinetic energy.

Potential energyThe energy of an object or system due to its position. is the energy an object has because of its position; it is energy waiting to be released. For example, a weight suspended above the ground has potential energy because it can be set in motion by gravity. Compressed or extended springs also have potential energy.

Thermal energyKinetic energy caused by the movement of molecules due to temperature. is the kinetic energy of atoms vibrating within matter. The faster the atoms move, the hotter the object becomes. Electrical energyKinetic energy resulting from the motion of electrons within any object that conducts electricity. is the kinetic energy resulting from the motion of electrons within any object that conducts electricity. Chemical energyPotential energy stored in molecules. is the potential energy stored in molecules. Thermal, electrical, and chemical energy are all forms of kinetic or potential energy.