The capacity to do work is called Energy. This energy can be stored in different forms. Energy is one of the physical quantities as it is proportional to the mass of the object. The ability of the body to exert a push or a pull against natural forces like gravity identifies what kind of energy it is. When an object is at rest, the body is said to possess potential energy. In another case, when the object is in motion, then it is said to possess kinetic energy.
Potential energy tends to affect the object within the environment if and only when it gets transformed to other kinds of energy. A rock which rests at the top of the cliff is said to be an example of the body possessing potential energy. When the rock falls, it possesses kinetic energy. The energy which is stored in a body because of the elevation is called gravitational potential energy. Some bodies like waterfalls contain both kinetic and potential energy. The height of the waterfall is one of the bases for potential energy, while the movement of water is a base for kinetic energy.
The property of body decides as to what kind of energy is contained in it. Potential energy changes into kinetic energy when an object moves. Unlike the potential energy, the kinetic energy can be transferred from one body to another body by the process of collision.
For more information On potential and kinetic energy, watch the below videos
The differences between these two kinds of energies are as explained below-
Difference Between Kinetic and Potential Energy
| Sr.no | Kinetic Energy | Potential Energy |
| 1. | Kinetic energy is the kind of energy present in a body due to the property of its motion | Potential Energy is the type of energy present in a body due to the property of its state |
| 2. | It can be easily transferred from one body to another | It is not transferable |
| 3. | The determining factors for kinetic energy are Speed or velocity and mass | Here, the determining factors are Height/ distance and mass |
| 4. | Flowing water is one of the examples of kinetic energy | Water present at the top of a hill is an example of potential energy |
| 5. | It is relative with respect to nature | It is non-relative with respect to nature |
The below video helps to revise the concepts in the chapter Work and Energy Class 9
Stay tuned with BYJU’S to learn more about kinetic energy, potential energy and much more.
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