While studying science, you’ll come across the term energy. There are two main types of energies called kinetic and potential. The term energy can neither be created nor be destroyed but can only be converted from one form to another. Energy is one of the physical quantities proportional to the mass of the object. Based on the kind of energy, the body has the ability to exert a push or a pull against natural forces like gravity. As per the position of the body, when the object is at rest, it possesses potential energy, and the object is in motion, it possesses kinetic energy. The energy is stored in a body as a result of the elevation is called gravitational potential energy. In this guide, you’ll learn about the main differences between kinetic and potential energy.
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Etymology of Energies
The word “kinetic” is derived from the Greek word Kinesis, which means “motion.” The terms “kinetic energy” and “work” originated in the 19th century. “Kinetic energy” has been coined by William Thomson around 1850. In contrast, the term “potential energy” was coined by William Rankine, a Scottish physicist and engineer who contributed to a variety of sciences, including thermodynamics.
Sub-Types of Energies
The two types of energies, kinetic and potential energy, are further divided into sub-types.
The kinetic energy of an object is related to its momentum. It is divided into two main sub-types, including translational kinetic energy and rotational kinetic energy.
Translation energy is the energy possessed by an object moving in a straight line. Whereas rotational kinetic energy is the energy of a rotating body calculated as the total kinetic energy of its moving parts. The types of potential energy include:
- Gravitational Potential Energy – the energy of an object associated with its gravitational energy.
- Elastic Potential Energy – energy possessed by an elastic body when stretched and deformed in one direction.
- Chemical Potential Energy – energy related to the arrangement of atoms and molecules in a structure.
- Electrical Potential Energy – energy possessed by an object by virtue of its electric charge.
- Nuclear Potential Energy – energy possessed by particles such as neutrons and protons inside an atomic nucleus.
Kinetics Energy vs. Potential Energy
Kinetic Energy – K
Potential Energy – P
K- Kinetic energy is the kind of energy present in a body due to the property of its motion.
P- Potential energy is the type of energy present in a body due to the property of its state.
K- It is transferable from one body to another.
P- It is non-transferable
K- The determining factors for kinetic energy are Speed or velocity and mass.
P- The determining factors for potential energy are Height/ distance and mass.
K- Kinetic energy is relative concerning nature.
P- Potential energy is non-relative concerning nature.
P- Example: Flowing water
P- Example: Water present on hill-top
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