Question

Provide at least three examples of kinetic energy and potential energy. Then, identify where the energy is in each system you describe and whether or not it is being converted. If it is being converted, identify how and into what. If it isn't, identify what is necessary for it to be.

Answer 1

Kinetic energy:

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

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

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

Potential Energy:

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

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

3) 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.