Differences between kinetic energy and potential energy?
Kinetic energy is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its movement. Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or state. While kinetic energy of an object is relative to the state of other objects in its environment, potential energy is completely independent of its environment. Hence the acceleration of an object is not evident in the movement of one object, where other objects in the same environment are also in motion. For example, a bullet whizzing past a person who is standing possesses kinetic energy, but the bullet has no kinetic energy with respect to a train moving alongside.
Kinetic Energy versus Potential Energy comparison chart
diffrences in the chart based on the following specifications respectively
Definition
Relation to environment
Transferability
Examples
SI Unit
Determining factors
KInetic energy The energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system.
Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object or system because of its position or configuration.
Kinetic energy of an object is relative to other moving and stationary objects in its immediate environment.
Potential energy is not relative to the environment of an object.
Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, say, in collisions.
Potential energy cannot be transferred.
Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall.
Water at the top of a waterfall, before the precipice.
Joule (J)
Joule (J)
Speed/velocity and mass
Height or distance and mass
Kinetic energy is energy possessed by a body by virtue of its movement. Potential energy is the energy possessed by a body by virtue of its position or state. While kinetic energy of an object is relative to the state of other objects in its environment, potential energy is completely independent of its environment. Hence the acceleration of an object is not evident in the movement of one object, where other objects in the same environment are also in motion. For example, a bullet whizzing past a person who is standing possesses kinetic energy, but the bullet has no kinetic energy with respect to a train moving alongside.
Kinetic Energy versus Potential Energy comparison chart
diffrences in the chart based on the following specifications respectively
Definition
Relation to environment
Transferability
Examples
SI Unit
Determining factors
| KInetic energy | |
| The energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system. | Potential Energy is the stored energy in an object or system because of its position or configuration. |
| Kinetic energy of an object is relative to other moving and stationary objects in its immediate environment. | Potential energy is not relative to the environment of an object. |
| Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, say, in collisions. | Potential energy cannot be transferred. |
| Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall. | Water at the top of a waterfall, before the precipice. |
| Joule (J) | Joule (J) |
| Speed/velocity and mass | Height or distance and mass |
