Question

Distinguish between kinetic energy and potential energy.

Answer 1

Energy:

1. It is the amount that is required to do work. For example, suppose we want to run on the road, amount of energy enables us to run.
2. The SI measurement unit of the energy is Joule(J).

Difference between potential energy and kinetic energy:

Potential energy	Kinetic energy
1. The energy possessed by its position or configuration is called potential energy.	1. The energy possessed by the motion of the object is called kinetic energy.
2. It can be expressed as: $\text{PE=mgh}$ Here, m is the mass of the object, g is the acceleration due to gravity and h is the height of an object above the earth’s surface.	2. It can be expressed as: $\text{KE=}\frac{1}{2}{\text{mv}}^2$ Here, m is the mass of the object and v is the velocity of the object.
3. For example, if Water is stored in an overhead tank, it possesses potential energy.	3. For example, suppose a car is running on the road, it possesses kinetic energy.