Differentiate between Kinetic energy and potential energy
Differentiate 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.
Comparison chart
Kinetic Energy versus Potential Energy comparison chart
Kinetic Energy Potential Energy
TE=KE+PE
for example,
10 J= 10 J + 0 J
10 J= 8 J + 0 J .... and so on
Definition
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.
Relation to environment
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.
Transferability
Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, say, in collisions. Potential energy cannot be transferred.
Examples
Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall. Water at the top of a waterfall, before the precipice.
SI Unit
Joule (J) Joule (J)
Determining factors
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.
Comparison chart
Kinetic Energy versus Potential Energy comparison chart
Kinetic Energy Potential Energy
TE=KE+PE
for example,
10 J= 10 J + 0 J
10 J= 8 J + 0 J .... and so on
Definition
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.
Relation to environment
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.
Transferability
Kinetic energy can be transferred from one moving object to another, say, in collisions. Potential energy cannot be transferred.
Examples
Flowing water, such as when falling from a waterfall. Water at the top of a waterfall, before the precipice.
SI Unit
Joule (J) Joule (J)
Determining factors
Speed/velocity and mass Height or distance and mass
