Question

Can you say if the following objects have energy? If they do, identify whether the energy is kinetic, potential or combination of the two.

1. A ceiling fan which has been switched off.
2. A man climbing a hill.
3. A flying bird.
4. Water in the reservoir of a dam.
5. A spring expanded beyond its normal shape.
6. A rubber band lying on a table.
7. A stretched rubber band lying on the ground.

Answer 1

Explanation

The energy possesses by the object are as given below:-

1. When switched off, a ceiling fan possesses only potential energy.
2. Your muscular energy is transformed into kinetic and potential energy. You are climbing up the hill. Your muscular energy is transformed into kinetic and potential energy.
3. It contains potential energy due to its position above the ground level and contains kinetic energy due to its motion. Hence a flying bird possesses both kinetic energy and potential energy.
4. Water stored in a dam , when allowed to flow, has kinetic energy which was earlier stored as potential energy.
5. When you compress or stretch a spring, as soon as the stress is relieved, the spring attains its normal shape instantly. Its Elastic potential energy helps it.
6. Stretched rubber band lying on the table possess Potential Energy.
7. A stretched rubber band has kinetic energy.