Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy: Overview, Questions, Preparation

Force is required to make an object move or accelerate, and for every work, there should be work associated with it. When work is done, an external force releases the energy for the object to accelerate, and the object moves at a constant speed. The energy that is transferred in the object is known as Kinetic energy. In order words, kinetic energy can be described as the energy held by the object by its motion.

In contrast, potential energy is the energy held by an object in the starting relative to other objects, its electric charge, and other significant factors. The name of potential energy was first discovered by physicist William Rankine in the 19th century. There are several types of potential energy associated with the relative objects and their factors.

The formula of kinetic energy shows the relationship between the mass of the body and the velocity of the body. It can be written as

K.E. = ½ mv²

• KE is the kinetic energy
• m denotes the mass of the body
• And the velocity of the body is represented as v.

The formula of potential energy

The force between the two objects determines the potential energy of the object. as per gravitational force, the formula can be formed as:

W = m x g x h

• W is the potential energy of an object
• m denotes the mass in kilograms
• g is the gravitational acceleration of the object
• h is its height in meters

1. Kinetic energy is present due to its property of motion, whereas the potential energy is present due to its property of its state.

2. Kinetic energy is transferable from one body to another; potential energy cannot be transferred.

3. The relation of mass and velocity is kinetic energy. On the other hand, potential energy is the relation between mass, acceleration, and height.

4. Kinetic energy is directly related to nature; potential energy is non-relative in nature.

5. An example of kinetic energy includes flowing water, and an example of potential energy includes books on the shelf and the water present in the roof tank.

Kinetic Energy and Potential Energy for class 11

The chapter Energy holds a weightage of 6 marks in total as per the guideline of CBSE. It contains one very short question (2 marks), one objective type question (1 mark), and one short question (2 marks).

Example 1) Write the types of Kinetic Energy.

Answer – The types of Kinetic Energy are as follows:

• Radiant energy
• Thermal energy
• Sound energy
• Electrical energy
• Mechanical energy

Example 2) Write the formula of Potential Energy.

Answer – The formula of Potential Energy is:

W = m x g x h

Example 3) Write the types of Potential Energy.

Answer – The types of potential energy are as follows:

• Gravitational Potential Energy
• Elastic Potential Energy

Q: What do you mean by Kinetic Energy?

Q: What is the meaning of Potential Energy?

Q: What is the unit of Kinetic Energy?

Q: Which of the energies is transferable – Kinetic or Potential?

Q: What is Gravitational Potential Energy?