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Question

Give examples of kinetic energy and potential energy

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Solution

Kinetic energy is a form of energy that results from an object's motion. There are many types of motion that use kinetic energy: translation (moving from one place to another), rotation, and vibration. The measurement of kinetic energy in an object is calculated based on the object's mass and velocity. It is measured in Joules.

Examples of Kinetic Energy:

1. An airplane has a large amount of kinetic energy in flight due to its large mass and fast velocity.

2. A baseball thrown by a pitcher, although having a small mass, can have a large amount of kinetic energy due to its fast velocity.

3. A downhill skier traveling down a hill has a large amount of kinetic energy because of their mass and high velocity.

4. A golf ball sitting on a tee before it is struck has zero kinetic energy because its velocity is zero.

5. An asteroid falling to earth at incredible speeds has an enormous amount of kinetic energy.

6. A car traveling down the road has less kinetic energy than a semi-truck traveling at the same speed because the car's mass is much less than the truck's.

7. A river flowing at a certain speed possesses kinetic energy because the water has a certain mass and it also has velocity.

8. An insect flying has a small amount of kinetic energy because its mass and velocity are relatively small.

Potential energy is a form of energy that results from an object's position or arrangement of parts. It is stored energy that can become kinetic energy. It includes potential electrical, chemical, and nuclear energy. The measurement of potential energy in an object is calculated based on the object's mass and its height or distance. It is measured in Joules.

Examples of Potential Energy:

1. A rock sitting at the edge of a cliff has potential energy. If the rock falls, the potential energy will be converted to kinetic energy.

2. Tree branches high up in a tree have potential energy because they can fall to the ground.

3. A stick of dynamite has chemical potential energy that would be released when the activation energy from the fuse comes into contact with the chemicals.

4. The food we eat has chemical potential energy because as our body digests it, it provides us with energy for basic metabolism.

5. A stretched spring in a pinball machine has elastic potential energy and can move the steel ball when released.

6. When a crane swings a wrecking ball up to a certain height, it gains more potential energy and has the ability to crash through buildings.


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